(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad today ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, Sept. 15, to honor the life of Maj. Gen. Warren G. “Bud” Lawson. Gen. Lawson passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the age of 83.
Gen. Lawson’s visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 3-7 p.m. at the Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion, 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston, Iowa. The Lawson family will be present during this time. Funeral services will then be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion, followed by inurnment at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter at 2 p.m. The Iowa National Guard will provide full military honors.
“Gen. Lawson was a friend of mine who led the Iowa National Guard as our State Adjutant General during my early years as governor and we enjoyed a very close working relationship. He was a patriotic and dynamic leader who set very high standards for readiness of our troops and I appreciate his dedication to our country and state,” said Branstad. “Chris and I wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife Bobbie and the rest of the Lawson family on Thursday when he is laid to rest.”
The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon 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.
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