Flags across Maine are currently flying at half-staff in a show of respect for the passing of a beloved former United States Senator from Maine. The lowering of flags is a sign of mourning and respect for those who have passed away, and is one of the most visible symbols of the nation’s sorrow for the loss of a leader in its midst. In Maine, flags are flown at half-staff in memory of Maine’s former Senator, George Mitchell, who passed away on February 11th, 2021, at the age of ninety-five.
George Mitchell was a United States Senator from Maine from 1980 to 1995. He was a champion of civil rights and social justice, and was instrumental in the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. He was also a key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process, and his efforts led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended three decades of conflict in the region. In recognition of his tireless efforts to promote peace, Mitchell was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998.
Lowering the flag to half-staff is a way for the nation to honor those who have passed away, and is done in accordance with the United States Flag Code. The Flag Code states that, when flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak of the staff, then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day. In the case of the death of a former United States Senator, the flag should be flown at half-staff for thirty days from the date of death.
The lowering of flags to half-staff in Maine is a part of a larger mourning process for the passing of George Mitchell. The state of Maine has declared a day of mourning, and flags across the state will remain at half-staff until March 12th, 2021, in honor of the former Senator. In addition, the Governor of Maine has ordered that a memorial service for Mitchell be held in the Maine State House rotunda on March 9th, 2021.
The flag at half-staff is a sign of profound respect for the life and service of George Mitchell, and a reminder of the impact he had on Maine and the nation as a whole. His legacy will continue to be felt for years to come, and his passing is a great loss for the people of Maine. It is only fitting that the flags of Maine be lowered to half-staff in tribute to his memory.
Flags At Half Staff Across The Country
Flags at half-staff are not just reserved for Maine. In fact, many other states and cities across the United States have also lowered their flags in honor of George Mitchell. On February 12th, 2021, the flags of the United States Capitol were lowered to half-staff in his memory. Flags at half-staff were also seen in Washington, D.C., in New York City, in Boston, and in many other cities and states across the country.
Lowering the flags to half-staff is a way for the nation to pay its respects to those who have passed away. It is a time for the nation to reflect on the life and work of those who have served their country, and a time to remember the contributions they have made to making the nation a better place. In the case of George Mitchell, he was a leader who was dedicated to promoting peace and justice, and his legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
How To Lower Flags According To The United States Flag Code
In accordance with the United States Flag Code, the flag should be flown at half-staff when it is lowered in honor of a person who has passed away. The flag should be first hoisted to the peak of the staff, then lowered to the half-staff position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day. In the case of the death of a former United States Senator, the flag should be flown at half-staff for thirty days from the date of death.
The flag should also be flown at half-staff on certain days of the year as designated by the President and by state governors, such as Memorial Day and Patriot Day. In addition, state governors may order the flag to be flown at half-staff to honor the death of a current or former state official, or for other occasions. When this is done, the flags should be flown at half-staff for the duration of the day.
Conclusion
Flags across Maine are currently at half-staff in honor of the passing of George Mitchell, a beloved former United States Senator from Maine. The lowering of flags to half-staff is a way for the nation to pay its respects to those who have passed away, and is done in accordance with the United States Flag Code. Flags at half-staff are also seen in many other cities and states across the country in honor of Mitchell’s passing, and his legacy will be remembered for many years to come.