By Staff
LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Monday directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities throughout Michigan for 30 days, through Monday, July 5, as a mark of respect for former President Ronald W. Reagan.
While neither the President or the Governor has ordered non-governmental entities and homeowners to fly the flag at half-staff, they are encouraged to do so.
Granholm directed the flags at half-staff to comply with the federal law that governs the position and display of the flag.
Section 7 of Title 4 of the U.S. Code provides that: "The flag shall be flown at half-staff for 30 days from the death of the President or a former President."
Because this provision of the flag law is not limited to federal facilities or governmental buildings, Michigan residents and non-governmental entities are also encouraged to observe federal law regarding the display of the U.S. flag.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the position one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff or mast.
The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.