Michigan Flags to be Flown Half-Staff Wednesday for Army Specialist Todd A. Motley

September 24, 2007 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today ordered United States flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered for one day on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, in honor of Army Specialist Todd A. Motley, of Clare, who died September 14 while on active duty in Iraq. Flags should return to full-staff on Thursday, September 27.

Specialist Motley, age 23, died in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

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Under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, Governor Granholm, in December 2003, issued a proclamation requiring United States flags lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Procedures for flag lowering were detailed by Governor Granholm in Executive Order 2006-10.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States 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.

When a member of the armed services from Michigan is killed in action, the governor will issue a press release with information about the individual(s) and the day that has been designated for flags to be lowered in his or her honor. The information will also be posted on Governor Granholm's website at www.michigan.gov/gov in the section titled "Spotlight."

Source: Michigan Governor