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From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Flags Lowered & Services Set In Honor of Rep. Dingell

Rep. John Dingell (D-MI)
CSPAN
Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) at a ceremony honoring his service.

A memorial service will be held next week in Dearborn for Rep. John Dingell. The nation's longest-serving congress member died Thursday at the age of 92. 

On Friday, Trump ordered flags at the White House and other federal facilities lowered to half-staff in Dingell's memory. The president also used Twitter to extend sympathies to Debbie Dingell and other family members.

"Longest serving Congressman in country's history which, if people understand politics, means he was very smart," Trump tweeted. "A great reputation and highly respected man."

One of the advantages to knowing that your demise is imminent, and that reports of it will not be greatly exaggerated, is that you have a few moments to compose some parting thoughts. In our modern political age, the presidential bully pulpit seems dedicated to sowing division and denigrating, often in the most irrelevant and infantile personal terms, the political opposition - John Dingell's farewell message

Trump's proclamation applies to flags at the White House, other public buildings and grounds, U.S. military posts and naval stations, and on all federal naval vessels. They'll be lowered until sunset Saturday.

Flags at U.S. embassies and other facilities overseas also are ordered to half-staff. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also ordered flags on state property lowered.

Monday visitation - Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn

A public visitation will be held Monday at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. A funeral will be held at a local church Tuesday.

Following those services, a casket carrying Dingell's body will be driven past the Capitol in Washington. The public is invited to watch from the east lawn of the Capitol.

Thursday - Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, DC

A second funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington. The public is invited.

Dingell will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, said his wife Debbie Dingell, who succeeded him in the Michigan congressional seat.

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