Gov. Beshear orders flags to half-staff Saturday to honor WWII Army pilot from Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff Saturday, April 26, in honor of a Kentucky Army pilot killed during World War II whose remains were identified last year.

According to a release from the Governor’s Office, U.S. Army Air Force 1st Lt. Joe A. De Jarnette, 24, of Fort Thomas, was killed when his plane was shot down over Germany in 1944. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning in Fort Thomas, with burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Erlanger.

Flags across Kentucky are already at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis. Gov. Beshear is asking individuals, businesses and organizations to continue the tribute through sunset Saturday.

For more information on flag status, visit governor.ky.gov/flag-status.