Date: Friday, April 3, 2015
Flags affected: USA Flags
Reach: Statewide
Proclamation
Gov. Rick Snyder lowers flags to honor former Rep. Jim Plakas
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, April 3, in honor of former state Rep. Jim A. Plakas, who died on Monday, March 30.
"Jim leaves an honorable history spent dedicated to serving his community. On behalf of all Michiganders, I thank Jim for the time he spent bettering his city, state, and country. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends," Snyder said.
Plakas was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2000, where he served the 16th District for three terms. Prior to his time as a representative, Plakas served as mayor of Garden City where he previously spent 17 years as a member of the City Council. He also worked as a design engineer at Ford Motor Co. Plakas was a Korean War Veteran and was dedicated to public service in the Garden City community.
Plakas earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He also graduated from the Ford Engineering Program at Henry Ford Community College.
A funeral service will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 3rd at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Westland. Visitation and a Trisagion service was held on Thursday, April 2 at the John N. Santeiu and Son Funeral Home in Garden City.
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, April 4.
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.
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