January 8, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be flown half-staff in honor of Michigan servicemen who lost their lives while on active duty in Iraq.  Flags will fly at half-staff:

Wednesday, January 10, 2007, to honor Army Private First Class Alan Blohm of Kawkawlin.  Private Blohm, 21, died December 31 from injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.  He was assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25the Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Thursday, January 11, 2007, to honor Marine Corporal Nicholas A. Miller of Silverwood.  Corporal Miller, 20, died December 28 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to the Marine Force Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Michigan.

Friday, January 12, 2007, to honor Army Sergeant Christopher P. Messer of Petersburg.  Sergeant Messer, 28, died December 27 from wounds received when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was dismounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.  He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, New York.

Saturday, January 13, 2007, to honor Marine Corporal Christopher E. Esckelson of Vassar.  Corporal Esckelson, 22, died December 28 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to the Marine Force Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Michigan.

Under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, Governor Granholm, in December 2003, issued a proclamation requiring United States flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty.  Procedures for flag lowering were detailed by Governor Granholm in Executive Order 2006-10.

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 or half-mast position.  The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

When a member of the armed services from Michigan is killed in action, the governor will issue a press release with information about the individual(s) and the day that has been designated for flags to be lowered in his or her honor.  The information will also be posted on Governor Granholm's website at www.michigan.gov/gov in the section titled ‘Spotlight.'