Michigan Flags to be Flown Half-Staff Thursday for Army Sergeant First Class Matthew D. Blaskowski

October 1, 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 Thursday, October 4, 2007, in honor of Army Sergeant First Class Matthew D. Blaskowski, of Levering, who died September 23, while on active duty in Afghanistan. Flags should return to full-staff on Friday, October 5.

Sgt. 1st Class Blaskowski, age 27, died in Asadabad, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

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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/govin the section titled "Spotlight."

Source: Michigan Governor