To pay respect to the victims and their friends and family, of the Orlando massacre and Kalamazoo cyclists, Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered at half-staff starting today.
The order is for all state buildings, as well as those flags within the state Capitol complex.
“I am joining President Obama's call to honor the victims of the Orlando terror attack by ordering Michigan and U.S. flags to half-staff…,” Snyder said. “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and for their loved ones who are grieving. What happened in Florida is a tragedy - one we will never forget. Hate has no place in this nation. Sue and I ask all Michiganders to join us in prayer for Orlando - victims, families, friends, and first responders. The people of Michigan stand with Florida. In addition, I'm ordering the flags to stay down an extra five days for the lives of the cyclists lost in Kalamazoo.”
Last week, five cyclists were killed when a vehicle crashed into a group of bikers. Police have identified the victims as: Debra Ann Bradley, 53, of Augusta; Melissa Ann Fevig-Hughes, 42, of Augusta; Fred Anton (Tony) Nelson, 73, of Kalamazoo; Lorenz John (Larry) Paulik, 74, of Kalamazoo; and Suzanne Joan Sippel, 56, of Augusta.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. They should be returned to full-staff after sunset on June 21.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
