Lansing, MI - In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, 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 lowered to half-staff immediately on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in honor of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who passed away at the age of 84 years old.
“Madeleine Albright was a trailblazing figure on the world stage who upheld our highest values,” said Governor Whitmer. “She viewed public service as a noble calling and served our country as Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of State. After fleeing war and violence to come to the United States with her family as a girl, she became a woman who advocated for diplomacy, peace, and prosperity around the globe. Secretary Albright inspired generations of young women to pursue careers in national service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.”
Madeleine Albright was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on May 15, 1937. In 1948, her family immigrated to the United States where she became a citizen in 1957. Throughout her career, she served in various roles within Congress, the White House, and on the National Security Council as well as a teaching and leadership position at Georgetown University. In 1993, Madeleine Albright made history when she became the first woman appointed and confirmed as Secretary of State.
Albright attended Wesley College and earned a doctorate degree from Columbia University in 1976. She passed away on Wednesday, March 23 at the age of 84.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and selfless service of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright 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 be returned to full staff on Monday, March 28, 2022.