FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 15, 2023 

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Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day 

Lansing, Mich. – Today, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 15 in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day during Police Week. 

"Today, Michiganders come together to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our police officers have tough jobs and risk their own safety to protect public safety. Let’s learn from their example of public service and work together to protect our communities.”  

Peace Officers Memorial Day falls within National Police Week, which was recognized in Congress in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and is observed from Monday, May 15 through Sunday, May 21, 2023. 

The State of Michigan honors Peace Officers Memorial Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations 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 half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. 

Flags should return to full staff on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. 

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