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HALF - STAFF ALERTS
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GEORGIA : MAY 18, 2019
in Honor of Sgt.Kelvin Ansari - Executive Order
MICHIGAN : MAY 16 - 17, 2019
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, May 16, 2019, to honor the service of Army Pfc. Michael “Mikey” Thomason and coincide with his military funeral.
“We owe Pfc. Thomason a tremendous debt of gratitude as he made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” Whitmer said. “Our state has lost a hero, and my heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.” A resident of Lincoln Park, Pfc. Thomason was currently serving with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division stationed out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Pfc. Thomason passed away on Sunday, April 28 at the age of 28 years old from injuries sustained in Kobani, Syria where he was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
During his service, Pfc. Thomason was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, including one with a "C" device for combat, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Pfc. Thomason 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 Friday, May 17, 2019.
KENTUCKY : MAY 16, 2019
Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that U.S. and Kentucky flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, May 16, 2019, in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died in Syria while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to the Department of Defense, Pfc. Michael A. Thomason, 28, of Lincoln Park, Michigan, died April 29, 2019, in Kobani, Syria, of wounds sustained from a non-combat incident and will be interred tomorrow. Pfc. Thomason was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag in honor of Pfc. Thomason.
ILLINOIS : MAY 15 - 17, 2019
The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor and remembrance of: Corporal John G. Krebs United States Army Sterling, Illinois Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from: Sunrise: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 until Sunset: Friday, May 17, 2019
ENTIRE UNITED STATES : MAY 15, 2019 - PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
* Link to Presidential Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day And Police Week 2019
ALASKA : MAY 14 - 18, 2019
Statement from Governor and First Lady Dunleavy on the Passing of Former Legislator Bill Williams May 13, 2019.
Monday, May 13, 2019 (Juneau) – Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy issued the following statement on the passing of former Alaska Representative Bill Williams:
“Real leaders do not come along very often, so it is especially tough when we lose one with the ability and character of Bill Williams,” said Governor Dunleavy. “He worked both hard and smart for the constituents and communities he represented as a city council member, mayor and legislator in Southeast Alaska where his wisdom and presence will be missed. Rose and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Williams family for their loss.”
Governor Dunleavy has directed Alaska state flags and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Bill Williams starting Tuesday, May 14 through Saturday, May 18, 2019.
MASSACHUSETTS : MAY 14, 2019
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the day of interment, in honor of Sergeant First Class John A. McCarthy, U.S. Army National Guard, Rhode Island, of Norwood, Massachusetts, who died on May 5, 2019. This gubernatorial order applies to: 1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls. 2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings. 3. All state military installations.
MICHIGAN : MAY 13, 2019
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 13, 2019, to honor the life and service of civil rights icon and Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Damon J. Keith.
“Judge Damon Keith was a civil rights icon. In his decades of public service, he stood up for what was right, even if it meant facing attacks and threats from others,” Whitmer said. “Because of his strength, his determination, and his commitment to ending racism in our country, Michigan is grateful and better for it.
We should honor Judge Keith’s legacy by working together to build a Michigan where everybody, no matter who they are or where they come from, can get ahead.” The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Judge Damon Keith 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, May 14, 2019.
COLORADO : MAY 8 - 14, 2019
DENVER - Wednesday, May 8, 2019 - Gov. Jared Polis today ordered all flags lowered to half-staff on all state buildings and properties to honor victims of the shooting at the STEM School in Highlands Ranch. Flags should be lowered immediately until sunset on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 7 - 10, 2019
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered North Carolina flags at state buildings, grounds and facilities to remain at half-staff effective immediately through sunset on Friday, May 10 in honor of Mooresville Police Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon who died in the line of duty in Iredell County on Saturday. Memorial services for Officer Sheldon will take place on Friday. Governor Cooper released the following statement: "We mourn the tragic loss of Officer Sheldon and offer our deepest gratitude for his service and commitment to protecting the people of North Carolina. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and his colleagues in law enforcement."
ILLINOIS : MAY 8 - 10, 2019
The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all persons or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor and remembrance of: Firefighter Kody M. Vanfossan of the Christopher Fire Department Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from: Sunrise on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 until Sunset on Friday, May 10, 2019
NEVADA : MAY 7, 2019
WHEREAS, there are certain individuals in the history of the State of Nevada whose character and conviction transcend political divides and inspire us all to make Nevada a better place, and Nevada State Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson was such a person;
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson was born in 1967 in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and he devoted his life to serving his family, his constituents, and all Nevadans;
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) from 1997 to 2019 and on the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce from 2000 to 2003;
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson was first appointed to the Nevada State Assembly in 2013 and was subsequently elected three times to represent District 17 until he passed away in 2019
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson served as Chief Deputy Majority Whip for the 79th and 80th Legislative Sessions; WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson was a staunch advocate for education and homelessness issues, chairing the Assembly Education Committee for the 79th and 80th Legislative Sessions and serving on the Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2014 to 2016;
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson was an active public servant on a national level, serving as Board Member and Past President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators from 2005 to 2013 and as Board Member of the American Society for Public Administration from 2006 to 2008;
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Thompson passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones;
WHEREAS, Nevada has lost one of its finest public servants, but Assemblyman Thompson's reputation, character, and legacy of public service will live on for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides: "The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada."
NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada and the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows: The flags of the United States and the State of Nevada shall be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol and all state public buildings and grounds until sunset on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, as a mark of respect and in remembrance of Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson.
KENTUCKY : MAY 6, 2019
Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that U.S. and Kentucky flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 6, 2019, in honor of a Kentucky soldier who died in Iraq while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, 22, of Richmond, Kentucky, died April 20, 2019 in Ninawa Province, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. Spc. Riley was assigned to 2nd Battallion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Services for Spc. Riley will be held at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 6, 2019 at Richmond Church of Christ (1500 Lancaster Road, Richmond), with burial to follow with full military honors at Madison County Memorial Gardens (210 West Rice Lane, Richmond).
Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag in honor of Spc. Riley.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 3 - 8, 2019
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered North Carolina flags at state buildings, grounds and facilities to remain at half-staff effective immediately through sunset on Wednesday, May 8 in honor of UNC Charlotte students Riley C. Howell and Ellis R. Parlier who were tragically killed in the school shooting on April 30, 2019.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same duration of time as a sign of respect. Governor Cooper shared the following statement: "The shooting at UNC Charlotte has left our state with a heavy heart this week. We saw a swift, coordinated and brave response and we must put that effort into preventing future tragedies. On behalf of the entire state, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims, loved ones and UNCC campus community during this difficult time. We are grieving with you."
KANSAS : MAY 3 & 15, 2019
Governor to honor fallen Kansas law enforcement officers Governor directs flags to be lowered, will sign official proclamation In recognition of the 37th annual Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 3 and National Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on both May 3 and May 15. "Each year we recognize law enforcement officers for putting service above self to protect fellow Kansans," Kelly said. "I have a deep appreciation for these officers and their families - and on behalf of the State of Kansas, thank them for their commitment." On Friday, Kelly will sign an official proclamation declaring May 3 as "Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Day." In addition, H.J. Res. 730, P.L. 87-726 designates May 15 of each year as National Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
MARYLAND : MAY 3, 2019
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan has ordered the Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff at sunrise, Friday, May 3, 2019 and returned to full-staff at sunset, Friday, May 3, 2019 for Fallen Heroes Day. This day honors Fallen Heroes who have lost their lives in service to our State during the last year.
NEW JERSEY : MAY 3, 2019
WHEREAS, United States Army Private First Class (PFC) Anthony P. Steitz was a longtime resident of Union Township; and WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was in his junior year at Union High School; and
WHEREAS, PFC Steitz joined the New Jersey National Guard in January 2019 and was preparing to report for basic training this summer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri; and
WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was active in Union High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), which is recognized nationally; and
WHEREAS, on the night of PFC Steitz’s tragic passing, he attended the Union High School JROTC’s annual military ball, where he earned the highest achievement, the Superior Cadet Award; and
WHEREAS, PFC Steitz was the beloved son of Nicole Bollaro and Gary Steitz, and his presence will be missed by his family, his friends, his fellow service members, and by the people of New Jersey whom are grateful for his service; and
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness that we mourn PFC Steitz’s sudden passing, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of PFC Steitz, and to mark his passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT: 1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, May 3, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a committed public servant, Private First Class Anthony P. Steitz. 2. This Order shall take effect immediately.
NORTH CAROLINA : MAY 1 - 3, 2019
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all North Carolina flags at state buildings, grounds and facilities to be lowered to half-staff, effective immediately, and through sunset on Friday, May 3, to honor the victims of Tuesday's tragedy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same duration of time as a sign of respect.
Governor Cooper shared the following statement: "I am shocked and saddened by the horrific and senseless tragedy here in our own state at UNC Charlotte, and thank the first responders for their brave and immediate response. On behalf of the entire state, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims, loved ones, and UNCC campus community during this difficult time. We are grieving with you."
WISCONSIN : MAY 2, 2019
Governor Tony Evers has ordered the flags of the United States and the State of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff in Dane County as a mark of respect for Officer Katherine "Katie" Barrios of the Middleton Police Department. The order is effective beginning at sunrise on Thursday, May 2, 2019, and ending at sunset on that date.
