Lansing, MI - Today, Governor 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 remain lowered at half-staff through sunset on Sunday, July 10 to honor and remember former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.
“The world is shocked and saddened by the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe,” said Governor Whitmer. “We lower flags across our state in honor of his memory, record of public service to his nation, and friendship with the United States. Michiganders stand in solidarity with the people of Japan as they grieve.”
Shinzo Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan’s history, and a proud servant of the Japanese people. Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was killed on July 8, 2022.
As a mark of respect for the memory of Shinzo Abe, the state of Michigan stands in solidarity 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 Monday, July 11, 2022.