Gov. Rick Snyder lowers flags to honor former Sen. Harry DeMaso

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Jan. 23, in honor of former state Sen. Harry DeMaso, who died Jan. 9.

"During his decades of public service Sen. DeMaso made sure to put the people of Michigan first. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee he was a key supporter of economic development in our state and I commend his service," Snyder said. "My heartfelt condolences are with his friends, family and community."

DeMaso, a Battle Creek native, was elected to the state Senate in 1967, where he served 20 years. He served as president pro tempore, assistant president pro tempore, associate president pro tempore, assistant minority leader, and was chair of the finance committee. Prior to serving in the Senate, DeMaso was a member of the House of Representatives from 1957-1966. He previously served as the Battle Creek Township supervisor for 13 years.

Following his time in the Legislature, DeMaso was president of Fred Sanders Export Co., vice president of Sanders Confectionary and president of DeMaso and Associates Inc. He also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

A commemorative ceremony celebrating the life of DeMaso is being planned for early spring.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, Jan. 24.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U. S. 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.