State of Michigan, Office of the Governor
Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor
John D. Cherry, Jr., Lt. Governor

PROCLAMATION
No. 2003-4

WHEREAS, under Section 12 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Governor is the commander-in-chief of Michigan's armed forces;

WHEREAS, under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, in the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor may proclaim that the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff;

WHEREAS, members of our armed forces voluntarily forego comfort and wealth to face hardships and deployments away from family and loved ones while defending the Nation's security;

WHEREAS, while we honor the duty, honor, and selfless service of all military personnel, we also remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives to defend the freedoms our Nation holds so dear;

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan and at half-mast on Michigan waters as a mark of respect for the memory and in honor of the service of members of our Armed Forces killed in the line of duty;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the laws of the State of Michigan, and the laws of the United States of America, proclaim:

1. The flag of the United States of America shall be flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan and at half-mast on Michigan waters if any of the following apply:
   1. A member of the Michigan National Guard is killed in the line of duty.
   2. A member of the Michigan Air National Guard is killed in the line of duty.
   3. A Michigan resident serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces is killed in the line of duty.
2. A flag flown at half-staff or half-mast pursuant to this proclamation shall be flown at half-staff or half-mast from the day of death or notification of the death until the day of interment or as otherwise ordered by the Governor.
3. The flag, when flown at half-staff or half-mast should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position.
4. The Governor offers her deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved one of all Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty.

This proclamation is effective upon filing.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 10th day of December, 2003

[Signed by Governor and Secretary of State]