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Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Sharon Gire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2022

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Representative Sharon Gire

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, September 21 to honor and remember former state Representative Sharon Gire. The flag lowering will coincide with a memorial resolution from the Michigan House of Representatives in her honor.

“Representative Sharon Gire’s commitment to service left a lasting impact on her community, constituents, and those who called her a friend,” said Governor Whitmer. “Sharon was a passionate advocate for children’s rights and for survivors of domestic abuse. Michigan is a better place because of her service, and my thoughts are with her family, friends, and constituents as we honor her legacy.”

Gire’s career in public service began with leadership roles in the YWCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other community organizations. She went on to serve on the Mount Clemens City Commission, on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, in the Michigan House of Representatives, and on the Michigan State Board of Education. Gire was also the director of Michigan's Office of Services to the Aging under Governor Jennifer Granholm.

“The communities of Mount Clemens, Fraser and Clinton Township, as well as the entire State of Michigan, were all positively impacted through the dedicated leadership of Sharon Gire,” said Rep. William Sowerby, D-Clinton Township. “During and after her years in elected and appointed government offices, Sharon’s friendship and mentorship made a lasting impression on so very many other leaders, including myself.”

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of Representative Sharon Gire by lowering flags to 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 Thursday, September 22, 2022.

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