Michigan Governor Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff to Honor Former State Rep. and Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer on November 4 ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on November 5, 2026, to honor and remember former state Representative and Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey. Flags will be returned to full staff on November 6.
"Representative Kirksey was a dedicated public servant who served his community admirably in the U.S. Air Force and the state House," said Governor Whitmer. "My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who worked with and served alongside him. Michigan has lost an exceptional leader, and we will continue to honor his legacy for years to come."
Kirksey was born in 1928 and grew up on Detroit's east side. After graduating from Wayne State University, he became a teacher in the Detroit Public School District and later became a principal for Livonia Public Schools. He also proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a reservist and obtaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In 1977, Kirksey began his work in public service, where he served in the Michigan House of Representatives for four terms, as well as on the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, before becoming Mayor of Livonia for 16 years. As mayor, Kirksey led construction of the Livonia Community Recreation Center, established the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Nehasil Park, and helped establish the economic corridor along Haggerty Road.
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. The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Representative Jack Kirksey by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex.
(Source: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor)
Source: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：密歇根州议会大厦（Lansing）。Antony-22 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Photo by Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
