(WSYM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and all public buildings and grounds across the state to be lowered to half-staff immediately through Friday, Feb. 26.
The order aims to honor and mourn 500,000 American lives lost to COVID-19.
“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said in a press release. “Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why we are encouraging every Michigander to make a plan to get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this pandemic together.”
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, February 27, 2020.
