Governor Murphy Directs the Lowering of U.S. and New Jersey Flags in Honor of Billy DiMaio
| Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 375 ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Friday, January 10, 2025 in recognition and mourning of William “Billy” DiMaio. Today’s executive order falls on the same day as Louisiana’s Day of Remembrance for Billy DiMaio, part of a broader period of mourning for the 14 victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Billy DiMaio was a 25-year-old account executive and a former standout lacrosse player at Holmdel High School whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 25 from a terrorist attack in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 1, 2025. Billy is lovingly survived by his parents, Tracie and Bill DiMaio, and his loving siblings, Samantha and Anthony. Billy DiMaio, born on August 6, 1999, in East Islip, New York, moved with his family to Holmdel, New Jersey, in 2013. A graduate of Holmdel High School’s Class of 2017, he attended Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management and his Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. Billy shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete inspiring teammates and classmates alike. With his dedication to helping others succeed, Billy had begun a promising professional career with the same positivity and kindness that defined his life. “Billy DiMaio’s life was tragically cut short due to the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day,” said Governor Murphy. “He’ll be remembered for his positive attitude, talents on and off the field, and generosity. We are keeping his family and loved ones in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” “We express our sincere appreciation to Governor Murphy for this meaningful tribute to Billy DiMaio’s memory. The pain endured by the friends and families of those lost in the New Year’s Day terrorist attack is unfathomable, and we are especially heartbroken for the DiMaio family. We hope this action by the State reaffirms our unity in honoring Billy’s memory.” said Senator O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Flynn, and Assemblyman Scharfenberger in a joint statement. “Our hearts and prayers are with his parents, Tracie and Bill DiMaio; his sister, Samantha; his brother, Anthony; his extended family, friends, and the entire Holmdel community as they navigate this devastating loss. Monmouth County has endured too much heartbreak from acts of terror, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to a world free from such violence. May Billy’s memory forever stand as a testament to our State’s collective resilience and strength.” For a copy of Executive Order No. 375, click here. |
The flags should already be at half staff in honor of President Carter.
Lest we mention the terrorist’s ideology and motivation. Let’s put a face on the cause of this heinous act of terror.
God bless his family
May God continue to bring comfort to this family and friends. We have to realize the devil is real.
However God is greater then evil.
Love will always out do hate. I don’t know all the people who died, yet I know a God who will bring love to a hurting family. God bless the governor
Thank you governor
Well, you lowered the requirements of NJ Teachers , they no longer need to pass reading or math requirements to hold a substation, or teachers license, so it seems fitting to lower a flag for a president who did nothing while he was in office!
Sorry for your loss, but the lowering of the flags should be in recognition of a service to the community, while I’m sure Billy excelled in academics and was a decent person, to lower the flag for him but not for slain police officers or other decent individuals minimizes the gesture and insults other more deserving of the act who did not/do not receive it
I agree with you. Shaun you are definitely correct. While I feel bad for his family, to single him out by Murphy is both kind n for kudos. It lessens the action, sincerity n seriousness of the flag lowering.
Sadly if we lower the flag for him there will be an out pouring of parents wanting the same done for there kids tragically killed. It would be at half mass everyday, not one of these kids is more important then the other, each one is as devastating as the last.
My condolences to the family 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ may the family continue to be comfort through God love 💕
Murphy continues to show how stupid he is .
My condolences to the family, it’s so sad that these things are happening more often nowadays because some people hate others they don’t even know and for no reason 💔 it hurts my heart. May he R.I.P
Murphs at it again with his “gestures”. Did he say anything about proactively solving the problem?, probably not….. I guess he’s going to outlaw, pick up trucks and sidewalks next. What is he doing to prevent these terror attacks? RIP Billy.
Governor will the flags fly at half mast on Jan. 20th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King?
Governor will flags fly at half mast to honor Dr. Martin Luther King on January 20, 2025?
Nice gesture , now how about ordering your state police to shoot down those drones that are causing terror in our communities.
Guys really? Why even comment about why it shouldn’t be half raised. Saying you feel sorry and have remorse and your condolences followed by a but doesn’t make your comments any better. Think about the family for one second, imagine them reading one of y’all’s comments.. “sorry for your loss, HOWEVER! ☝️”. Yes everyone is entitled to their opinion, but expressing it here isn’t going to change what is happening. With that being said, sometimes it’s best to just keep it to yourself guys.
Wow! What a wonderful tribute!
These comments are political and disgusting-for the sake of the grieving family remove all comments and close off comments if’s just not appropriate and so sad if the already grieving family sees them.
https://www.nola.com/news/tiger-bech-saved-girl-bourbon-attack/article_cfe346e6-ceb4-11ef-85cb-e7b5818ca964.amp.html
GM all– a Princeton Univ graduate as well as football team participant and Wall Street employee, Tiger Bech, was also a victim of the domestic terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans – as well as a hero in his final moments – shoving a young girl out if the way of the oncoming rental truck. (above is the link to a NOLA article quoting his brother who had viewed Tiger’s heroic act on surveillance footage moments before his fatal wounding by the rental truck – a moral impulse.)
No matter how high or low our flag flies, it will never change the situation or bring back their loved ones. May they RIP !