January 3, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued a proclamation ordering United States flags at all state buildings and facilities lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan as a mark of respect for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and the resulting tsunamis.  Flags will remain at half-staff through Friday, January 7.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds of thousands of people affected by this enormous natural disaster, including those here in Michigan who have loved ones in the countries ravaged by this event,” Granholm said.  “We are lowering the flag on state facilities and buildings in keeping with the President’s order.”

On Saturday, January 1, President Bush ordered flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions from Monday, January 3, 2005, until Friday, January 7, 2005.

Governor Granholm is encouraging Michigan citizens to support the relief efforts.  For more information visit www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

When flown at half-staff, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position.  The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.