Date: August 31, 2016
Flags affected: USA & Minnesota State Flags
Reach: Statewide
Governor Mark Dayton orders flags flown at half-staff in honor of General John William Vessey, Jr.
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ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on the day of his interment, in honor and remembrance of General John William Vessey, Jr., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General John William Vessey, Jr. passed away on August 18, 2016, at the age of 94. General Vessey was born on June 29, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had a remarkable 46-year military career, including serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1992, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
You can view a copy of Governor Dayton's proclamation here.
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Taken from General Vessey, Jr.'s Obituary
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at the FORT SNELLING MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Hwys 5 & 55, Fort Snelling, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Thursday, September 1, 2016, 1:00 P.M. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (Camp Ripley), 15550 Hwy 115, Little Falls, MN.
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How to properly fly your flag at half-staff
When raising the American flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it.
When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flagpole again & lower it to the bottom.
With a telescoping flag pole it is acceptable to put the USA flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case the top set would be left empty.
When the United States flag is flown at half-staff, State & other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too.
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What if you can't lower your flag?
For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
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