Gov. Reynolds Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor WWII Soldier Killed on D-Day

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 6, 2025, to honor a fallen soldier from Cincinnati, Iowa, who was killed on D-Day during World War II in Normandy, France.

U. S. Army Pvt. James Lee Harrington of Cincinnati, Iowa, was killed in action when the landing craft he and 200 others were on hit an underwater mine as they approached Omaha Beach at Normandy. He will be buried in Iowa next to his mother and grandparents 81 years to the day of his death. Harrington’s remains were identified in 2023. He had previously been buried as “Unknown” at the Normandy American Cemetery. Harrington was 21 years old.

Friday, June 6  

Graveside services and interment  

11:00 a.m.   

Pleasant Hill Cemetery  

Cincinnati, Iowa

Harrington will be buried with full military honors. Residents and patriotic organizations are encouraged to line the procession route from Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, IA, to Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be flown at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.