Arizona flags lowered to honor funeral of retired Maj. Gen. Bill Van Dyke

Why are Arizona flags flying at half-staff on Thursday?

Gov. Katie Hobbs issued an order for flags on state buildings to be lowered from sunrise to sunset to honor the funeral of retired Maj. Gen. Glen W. “Bill” Van Dyke. Arizona residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to join the tribute.

Van Dyke served as Arizona adjutant general and director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs for five years in the 1990s. He died April 24 at age 86.

Van Dyke began his military career with the Arizona Air National Guard in 1961. He started as an aircraft refueler and later attended pilot training. He assumed command of the 162nd Fighter Group in 1984.

He became Arizona Air National Guard air component commander in 1990 before serving as adjutant general, the highest-ranking Arizona National Guard officer, from April 1994 until May 1999.

“My deep condolences to Maj. Gen. Van Dyke’s family. We honor him today and thank him for his many decades of esteemed service to Arizona and to our country,” Hobbs said in a press release.

The week started with Arizona flags at half-staff Sunday and Monday to honor fallen firefighters and peace officers.

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