MI - Half Staff Notification - April 21

Post date: Apr 22, 2015 12:25:16 AM

Gov. Rick Snyder orders flags lowered to honor former U.S. Sen. Robert P. Griffin

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, April 21, in honor of former U.S. Sen. Robert P. Griffin, who died at the age of 91 on Thursday, April 16.

“Robert selflessly devoted his life to public service. He was an effective and admirable leader for many years and I thank him for his commitment to both Michigan and our nation,” Snyder said.

Griffin served nearly 13 years in the U.S. Senate, including almost eight years as Senate Minority Whip. Prior to his time in the Senate, Griffin served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives after being elected in 1956. He also served as a state Supreme Court Justice until his retirement in 1994.

Griffin, a lifelong native of Michigan, was a World War II Army veteran, and later practiced law in his hometown of Traverse City. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

A viewing is scheduled at the Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice at 280 Washington St. in Traverse City from 5 to 7 p.m. today. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at noon at the First Congregational Church, also in Traverse City.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, April 22.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.