CHICAGO – Gov. J.B. Pritzker defended his Administration’s stance on leaving US flags at half-mast across the State of Illinois on Monday.
“We’ve lost more than three 9-11s in nine months. More than three 9-11s. More than 9,700 people have passed away.” Gov. Pritzker said of flags remaining at half staff Monday.
On September 11th, 2001, 2,996 people died when terrorists attacked locations throughout the United States, including New York City’s World Trade Center. Since March, 9,810 residents of Illinois had lost their battle with COVID-19.
“We are losing dozens of people, every, single, day. Yes, I think during this pandemic, until we get through this pandemic, I think it’s the right thing to do to recognize the terrible loss of so many people who can’t even go to a funeral sometimes, for a relative or a friend. This is one way we can honor all of them.” Pritzker said Monday.
Illinois Department of Public Health officials announced 20 newly reported COVID deaths Monday, including residents from Will and Iroquois County.
The Pritzker Administration first ordered the flags to mid-staff back in March when the pandemic first began, where they’ve remained since.
