Lansing, MI - Today, in accordance with a presidential proclamation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be immediately lowered to half-staff from now until further notice to honor and remember U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein who passed away on Thursday, September 28.
“Senator Feinstein was a history-making leader who served her home state of California admirably in the U.S. Senate,” said Governor Whitmer. “The longest serving woman in the Senate’s history, she blazed paths for many to follow. She was ahead of her time on several issues, most notably LGBTQ+ rights, and led the way on gun violence prevention. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, supporters, and staff. I have lowered flags in Michigan to honor her memory.”
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She was elected to U.S. Senate in 1992, where she was the chair of committees on rules, intelligence, and the judiciary over her tenure. Prior to serving in the Senate, she served as Mayor of San Francisco and on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Senator Feinstein passed away on Thursday, September 28 at 90 years old.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also 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 the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should remain lowered until further notice. Our office will issue a notification when a date is set for flags to be returned to full staff.