Courtesy photo

MARQUETTE — Gov. 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 on Monday from sunrise until noon in recognition of Memorial Day.

“On Memorial Day, we remember the brave Americans who served our nation in uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Whitmer said in a statement. “These are our neighbors, family and friends who signed up to put their lives on the line so the rest of us could love in peace and enjoy the freedoms we all hold dear. We owe these fallen men and women a debt that we can never repay for their selfless service to our nation. Today Michigan lowers the flags to honor the memory of our fallen service members and commit ourselves to working together to build a state worthy of their sacrifices.”

The state of Michigan recognizes Memorial Day by lowering flags to half-staff from sunrise until noon. 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.

Flags should be returned to full staff at noon Monday.