I hereby authorize flags be flown at half-staff all day on Wednesday May 20, 2026, on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, in the City of Valley and throughout Chambers and Lee counties to honor the life and service of former State Representative Harry DuWayne Bridges, who passed away at the age of 79 on May 13, 2026.

Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Harry DuWayne Bridges, proudly served his country in Vietnam as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He later graduated from Faulkner University with a degree in business administration and earned a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy State University. While he was best known in his home county as a longtime successful businessman, operating Bridges Travel Plaza and Western Wear in Cusseta for nearly 50 years, Bridges also left an indelible mark statewide. As a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives, he served his home district 38, including Chambers and Lee counties, for 14 years. An active member of the legislature, Rep. Bridges chaired the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. His support of veterans earned him the award of 2013 Legislator of the Year from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. Rep. Bridges was equally dedicated to his community, serving locally as president of the chamber of commerce, chairman of Valley Haven School and board member of Intercel Corporation, Colonial Bank and East Alabama Hospital in Valley. Rep. Bridges’ embodiment of public and community service will long be remembered.

The flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, in the City of Valley and throughout Chambers and Lee counties, may be flown at half-staff from sunrise through sundown on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the day of former Representative Harry DuWayne Bridges’ interment.