BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - U.S. and State of Michigan flags are at half-staff today, Thursday, Sept. 11, by order of both President Donald Trump and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in observance of Patriot Day and in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 Americans lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 24 years ago.
Flags will remain at half-staff through Sunday evening in respect for political activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed while on stage during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, yesterday.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff at sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.
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➡️ To read Governor Gretchen Whitmer's full press release regarding Patriot Day, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2025/09/10/whitmer-lowers-flags-to-honor-patriot-day
➡️ To read President Donald Trump's full proclamation regarding the death of Charlie Kirk, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/honoring-the-memory-of-charlie-kirk/