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Whitmer lowers flags to honor half a million American lives lost to COVID-19

"My heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said.
Credit: MiGov/Twitter

LANSING, Mich — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately through Friday, Feb. 26 to honor Americans who lost their lives due to COVID-19.

“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said. 

“Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why we are encouraging every Michigander to make a plan to get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this pandemic together.”

The flags will be flying at half staff within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state. Michigan homes, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Feb. 27.

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