SALT LAKE CITY-In a press release issued by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s office, Gov. Herbert is calling for the lowering of the United States flag and the Utah State Flag Friday in honor of the life and service of 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen who will be laid to rest Saturday.
Lt. Allen was slain in a plane crash during a U.S. Air Force training exercise June 15.
Herbert stated: “Today, we honor U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kenneth Allen for his outstanding service and sacrifice to our nation. He was an outstanding Airman, a dedicated husband and hero to our country. We will miss his eagerness to lift others up and strengthen those in need. We could not more be proud of how he represented Utah to the rest of the world. Jeanette [Herbert’s wife] and I send our deepest condolences, support and prayers to Kage’s [a nickname of Allen’s] wife, Hannah, to his parents and the entire Allen family.”
Flags are to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise-sunset Friday. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and others are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
