Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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March 18, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2021
Contact: Press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Victims of the Shooting in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Thursday, March 18 through Monday, March 22 to honor and remember the eight victims of the shooting in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.
"The senseless murders of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian-American women, is a national tragedy," Governor Whitmer said. "By lowering the flags, we honor the legacies of the eight lives that were taken from us too soon and declare that hate has no home in Michigan or anywhere in the United States. My thoughts are with the victims' loved ones and the entire Atlanta community as they mourn this loss."
The State of Michigan recognizes and mourns the lives lost in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
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