Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday on all state buildings and within the state Capitol complex in honor of late former U.S. Rep. Vern Ehlers.
A service in Ehler's honor will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. He died Aug. 15.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full staff on Friday.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position.
The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.