October 28, 2005
October 28, 2005
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state of Michigan will pay tribute to civil rights leader Rosa Parks next week by lowering United States flags in her honor.
The Governor has proclaimed that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered from Monday October 31 until sundown on Wednesday, November 2 as a mark of respect for the memory and in honor of Rosa Parks.
“As the mother of the modern day civil rights movement, Rosa Parks will serve as a role model for generations to come,” Granholm said. “She embodied the courage that is so important to the world we live in. Her quiet strength, dignity and persistence in the face of racial inequality and persecution were an inspiration to all Americans, regardless of race or gender. We are proud that she adopted Michigan as her home, a place she loved as much as we will always love her.”
In her proclamation, Granholm celebrated Ms. Parks’ many accomplishments, including receiving the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal which honored her as the “first lady of civil rights,” and the “mother of the freedom movement.”
The decision to lower the flag in Parks’ honor was hailed by Congressmen John D. Dingell and John Conyers.
Dingell said, “This is a fitting honor for a remarkable woman. We remember and memorialize Rosa Parks' courage and strength through this proclamation. It is simply the right thing to do for one of our nation and state's remarkable citizens and it's something the federal government should have done already. She was a great, decent, courageous lady and I know God will be kind to her soul."
Conyers also supported the Governor’s decision.
"I fully support the Governor's proclamation calling for United States flags to be flown at half-staff in Michigan in honor of the death of Rosa Parks,” Conyers said. “I believe it is fitting and appropriate that a true giant of the civil rights movement be granted this honor. There are very few people who can say their actions and conduct changed the face of the nation, and Rosa Parks is one of those individuals. Her bravery, fortitude and perseverance in the face of discrimination served as the very touchstone of the civil rights movement, which in a very real sense began when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. Everyone is this country owes a debt of gratitude to her. I am proud to have known her and to have had the opportunity to have worked by her side."
Dr. Brian Smith, National President of the Tuskegee Airmen organization, also applauded Granholm’s decision, as did Lucius Theus, Major General USAF (Retired) and an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“As a veteran who fought for the flag of the United States, I consider it an appropriate tribute that the Governor would order the flag lowered to mark the passing of Rosa Parks,” said Theus. “We both put ourselves at risk to stand up for the principles that this country was founded upon and it is not necessary to wear a uniform to be a hero. Rosa Parks is indeed a true hero.”
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.
