The original notice via the Flags Honors information distribution from the Illinois Office of Central Management didn't provide these details, but the Office quickly provided them upon request. Below is the Proclamation as issued by Governor Quinn's office.
WHEREAS,
on April 22, 1944, Second Lieutenant
Dwight D. Ekstram was one of seven marines assigned to an aircraft
that failed to return from a night training mission over Espiritu Santo
during World War II; and,
WHEREAS, none of the seven crew members were
recovered at the time and in 1945 were officially presumed deceased; and,
WHEREAS, in 1994 a group of private citizens
discovered the wreckage of the aircraft, which was turned over to the Department Of Defense; and,
WHEREAS, from 2000 to 2011 multiple recovery
teams excavated the site and found the Marines; and,
WHEREAS, Second Lieutenant Dwight D. Ekstram
of Moline, Illinois was one of the Marine’s identified; and,
WHEREAS, a funeral will be held for Second Lieutenant
Dwight D. Ekstram on Thursday October 4, 2012 followed by burial at Arlington National Cemetery; and,
THEREFORE,
I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State
of Illinois, do hereby order all persons or entities governed by the
Illinois Flag Display Act to fly their flags at half-staff immediately
until sunset on Thursday, October 4, 2012 in honor and remembrance of
Second Lieutenant Ekstram, whose selfless service
and sacrifice is an inspiration.
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