May 30, 2006
May 30, 2006
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered that United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters be lowered for one day on Thursday, June 1, 2006, in honor of Army Sergeant 1st Class Richard J. Herrema of Hudsonville who died April 25 from injuries sustained while on active duty in Iraq. Flags should return to full-staff Friday, June 2.
Army Sgt. Herrema, 27, was killed when he came under enemy fire during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
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.
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.
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.’
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