Lansing, MI - 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 across all public buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff starting at midnight on Wednesday, December 7 in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
“On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we reflect on the sacrifice of our nation’s armed forces and honor the 2,403 service members and civilians who we lost on that tragic day,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, in accordance with the president’s proclamation, we are lowering flags to honor their memory. My thoughts are with service members, veterans, caregivers, military families, and survivors on this day of remembrance.”
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honor the patriots who were wounded and whose lives were cut short on December 7, 1941. In the wake of tragedy, these brave individuals answered the call to defend freedom, justice, and democracy across the Pacific, throughout Europe, and around the globe. Today honors their spirit of unity and commitment to protect the nation.
The State of Michigan, in accordance with the president’s directive, will lower flags to half-staff in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 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 at midnight Thursday, December 8.