Sanders Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Remembrance of Fireman Third Class Royle Luker

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:

WHEREAS:  Royle Bradford Luker was born on March 15, 1924, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and faithfully answered the call to serve his nation during World War II;

WHEREAS:  Fireman Third Class Luker served with honor in the United States Navy aboard the USS West Virginia, demonstrating unwavering courage and dedication to duty;

WHEREAS: On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, he made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of the United States;

WHEREAS:  For his valor and service, Fireman Third Class Luker received numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and Navy Expeditionary Medal;

WHEREAS:  For more than 80 years, his remains were considered missing or unknown until advancements in forensic science provided the breakthrough that brought clarity, closure, and the opportunity for Royle to be returned home to Arkansas;

WHEREAS:  His life and legacy continue to be cherished by his surviving family, including his nephew John Luker and niece Becky Liensing, who remember him with deep pride and honor; and

WHEREAS:  Fireman Third Class Luker will be laid to rest with full military honors on May 30th, 2026, at New Bethel Cemetery near Plainview, Arkansas, beside his parents, George F. and Nettie Estelle Luker.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 30th, 2026, as a day of remembrance for Fireman Third Class Royle Bradford Luker, inviting all Arkansans to honor his legacy and reflect upon the cost of freedom he so bravely bore. I further order that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on May 30th, 2026, as a mark of respect for Fireman Third Class Royce Bradford Luker's service, sacrifice, and devotion.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 29th day of May, in the year of our Lord 2026.

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