Michigan Residents Encouraged To Lower Flags To Honor Former US Rep. John Dingell

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Photo credit © MADALYN RUGGIERO, Detroit Free Press

LANSING (WWJ) - In the wake of John Dingell's death and in honor of the former Congressman, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered flags within the capitol complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Feb. 8.

Whitmer says the State of Michigan is recognizing the duty, honor and selfless service of Dingell by lowering flags to half-staff.

Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also encouraged to display their flags 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 two days after the Congressman’s interment.  

Dingell, the longest-serving member of Congress in American history and a master of legislative deal-making, died Thursday at his home in Dearborn. He was 92.

Whitmer said Dingell dedicated his life to serving his country -- joining the Army at age 18 and flighting in World War II before serving 59 years in Congress to become the longest-serving member of Congress in history.