Aurora Mayor John Laesch has defended his decision to keep municipal flags at full-staff this weekend, despite President Trump's order for federal facilities to fly flags at half-staff following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This decision contrasts with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's directive for state facilities to observe a period of half-staff mourning.
The Mayor's statement, released Saturday, clarifies that the city of Aurora had previously lowered its flags to half-staff in remembrance of the September 11th attacks. These flags were raised to full-staff on Friday, September 12th. Laesch emphasized that the city's focus remained on commemorating the 9/11 anniversary, distinguishing this observance from the recent national mourning period.
While acknowledging the President's and Governor's directives, Laesch asserted that the municipal observance was separate. He stressed that lowering the flag is a significant act of remembrance, and should not be undertaken lightly. He explained the city's decision to return to full-staff, after observing 9/11, as a recognition of the solemn weight such gestures carry. In his statement, he noted that the city's priority is to honor the victims of 9/11, asserting that this does not diminish the city's condemnation of violence in all forms. The statement concluded by reaffirming Aurora's commitment to peace, safety, and the dignity of all its residents. The mayor's decision has spurred some discussion within the community, generating debate about the appropriate balance between local and national observances of mourning.
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Originally published at: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/13/aurora-mayor-defends-decision-to-fly-flags-at-full-staff-this-weekend/
