May 12, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered that U.S. flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered on Monday, May 15, in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.  Granholm yesterday signed an executive order directing flags to be lowered annually on Peace Officers Memorial Day to commemorate the memory and sacrifices of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

"Peace Officers Memorial Day is a chance for our state to remember and pay our respects to the men and women of law enforcement who have given their lives keeping our neighborhoods and families safe," Granholm said.  "Their courage and dedication will not be forgotten."

Executive Order 2006-7 directs flags be flown at half-staff across Michigan each year.  The executive order was signed in conjunction with Public Law 105-225, 36 USC 136, which establishes May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and provides for the United States flag to be flown half-staff to honor the thousands of American peace officers killed in the line of duty.  Since 1792, more than 17,500 police officers have been killed in the line of duty in the United States.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States 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.