Flag-lowering protocol changed

Governor Rick Snyder has issued an Executive Order to revise the process for lowering flags in honor of officials who have passed away that he says brings more consistency to the flag honors process.

Specifically, the order adds to the flag-lowering procedure guidelines for police officers and firefighters. It also revises procedures for current and former members of the Legislature, the adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, judges and state department directors.

Flag honors for fallen members of the military and for federal and other officials remain as previously directed in an Executive Order issued in 2006. When ordered, the U.S. flag shall be displayed at half-staff throughout the state of Michigan, meaning at all state buildings, grounds, and facilities.