November 01, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today issued Executive Order 2013-10 to revise the process for lowering flags in honor of officials who have passed away.
Specifically, the order adds to the flag-lowering procedure guidelines for police officers and firefighters. It also revises procedures for current and former members of the Legislature, the adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, judges and state department directors.
“This order brings more consistency to the flag honors process as we respectfully honor public servants who have passed away,” Snyder said.
For police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, flags will be lowered on the day of interment or on a day designated by the governor. For current and former legislators, flags will now be lowered to half-staff on the day of the person’s interment or on a day designated by the governor.
In the event of the death of the current or former adjutant general, flags will be lowered on the day of interment or on a day designated by the governor. For state Supreme Court justices, flags will be lowered from the day of the person’s death until interment. The flag will not be lowered for other judges. Flags also will not be lowered for state department directors.
Flag honors for fallen members of the military and for federal and other officials remain as previously directed in Executive Order 2006-10.
When ordered, the U.S. flag shall be displayed at half-staff throughout the state of Michigan, meaning at all state buildings, grounds, and facilities, as provided in this order and as otherwise directed by the governor.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. 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.
Click here to read Executive Order 2013-10.
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