Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff on Saturday, July 9, 2022, to honor a fallen U.S. soldier who was killed in World War II. Flags are already ordered at half-staff through sunset Saturday, July 9 in honor and remembrance for the victims of the tragic shooting in Highland Park, IL.

U. S. Army Pfc. Merl Holm of Lake City, Iowa, was reported killed in action Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1942. Holm had been deployed in present day Papua New Guinea to defend the Allied center of communications in the area.

Unidentified remains from Papua New Guinea were interred as Unknowns in what is now Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. Holm was accounted for in April of this year. He was 22-years old when he died and will be buried with full military honors. Holm had been awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Silver Star.

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Woodlawn Christian Church

Lake City, Iowa

Interment

Lake City Cemetery

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be 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.