Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2025
Contact: [email protected] 
 
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff on Anniversary of 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy 
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Fri., Nov. 21, 2025, in recognition of the fourth anniversary of the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy and to honor the six individuals who were senselessly and tragically killed in the attack: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8.

Four years ago, six of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones were senselessly killed in the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy, forever changing the lives of folks and families in the community and across our state, and each year since, we’ve come together to honor them, their loved ones who carry on their memory, and all those who were affected by this horrific and tragic act of violence,” said Gov. Evers. “The memory of those we lost that tragic day lives on through the strength, resilience, generosity, and compassion we have seen exemplified by the entire Waukesha community over the past several years. We will never forget Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, and Jackson, and today, the state stands with the Waukesha community in remembering, honoring, and mourning.

Executive Order #279 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Fri., Nov. 21, 2025, and is available here.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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