February 7, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered United States flags to be flown at half-staff throughout the state of Michigan today through Wednesday, February 8, in honor of Coretta Scott King.  The Governor’s order follows a similar proclamation issued by the President for federal buildings. 
 
“Coretta Scott King was a woman of incomparable grace who dedicated her life as her husband did – to civil rights, human rights, international peace, and economic justice.  She made certain, perhaps more than any other single person, that Dr. King’s dream will never die,” Granholm said in observing King’s passing.
 
In addition to ordering flags lowered to half-staff, Granholm will proclaim Friday, February 10, Coretta Scott King Day in the state of Michigan.
 
Federal Judge Damon J. Keith and Major Gen. Lucius Theus applauded the Governor’s decision to lower the flag in King’s honor. 
 
“In October we lost the mother of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks.  In January we have lost the widowed companion of one of the greatest men in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  These two brave, strong, women have demonstrated to the world what the fight for freedom of black Americans was all about,” Keith said.  “I salute Coretta Scott King, my good friend, and I salute the Governor for lowering the flags in her honor and recognizing the important role she played in American history.”
 
Keith’s sentiments were echoed by Theus, a former member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and a West Bloomfield resident.
 
“It’s just a terrible loss and we are all deeply saddened by the death of this great lady,” Theus said.  “She was a great warrior for the rights of all human beings in the United States of America.”