Updated 12/17/2020 5:36 PM
A state directive to fly the American flag at half-staff to honor those who've died in Illinois from COVID-19 has run its course and flags again should be raised to full height, Vernon Hills officials say.
Village officials say the symbolic gesture of lowering the flag historically has been reserved to recognize military members and first responders who died in the line of duty, or the death of notable public servants.
Now that a coronavirus vaccine has been approved and is being administered, the directive to fly the U.S. and state flags at half-staff should end "as a symbol of hope for the future," village officials say.