Lowered flags will honor copter victims

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998 | 10:44 a.m.

The state, Clark County and area municipalities on Thursday will lower their flags to half staff in honor of the 12 Nellis Air Force Base servicemen killed in Friday's crash of two Pavehawk helicopters.

Gov. Bob Miller today ordered flags on state buildings to be flown at half staff from dawn to sunset Thursday, and local governments followed suit.

"Nevada has always been proud to be an important part of our nation's defensive force," Miller said. "This is a community-wide tragedy; one which strikes at the heart of a proud tradition. Our state mourns along with the members of the victims' families and nation."

Tom Warden, spokesman for Clark County, said a memo was being issued today for all county facilities to lower their flags Thursday.

"We certainly feel for those individuals and their families," he said.

The cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City said they will lower their flags at city halls, fire stations and other facilities.

The 12 airmen, members of the 66th Rescue Squadron, which has participated in saving the lives of numerous locals trapped in the desert and in mountainous areas, were killed during a nighttime training exercise.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the Thunderbird hangar on base for the victims.

SUN REPORTER Cy Ryan contributed to this report.