Pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation (below), Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Friday, March 2, 2018, in memory of Reverend Billy Graham who passed away on February 21 at the age of 99.
Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Friday, March 2, 2018. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition. Please call (360) 902-0383 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2018
DEATH OF BILLY GRAHAM
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the memory of Reverend Billy Graham, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half?staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty?first day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Don Doman says
The Billy Graham proclamation offends me. The man was a leader of a Christian following. What did he do to make the world or United States a better place to live? That he believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ, tells me nothing. Others have believed the same, but have done more to help people. To be honored for simply preaching his religion echoes like a voice of the past and seems to have no bearing in today’s world.
Jim Hills says
You are so right. I too am offended by this proclamation. He never did serve in any branch of the military, never served in any capacity in the Federal Government. It feels a bit like Mr. Trump is attempting to curry favor with a particular group of Christians.
Marty says
Mr. Doman. So, the U.S. flag is to be lowered just one day, and you’re offended?Must not take much to offend you, I guess.
And Mr. Hills. One must have served in the military and/or the federal government to be so honored? I’ll go along with your military service requirement, but will pass on the federal government service. Am curious: will my mail delivery person qualify when he/she passes?
Jim Hills says
I too am offended Mr. Graham never served in the Military never served in the Government. I can not think of anything he did that advanced the US in any way. It feels like the President is attempting to curry favor with a particular Christian group
Don Doman says
Amen, to that.
Don Doman says
I agree. My comments have nothing to do with political leanings, just based on the individual and their accomplishments. The in state recognition is uncalled for.
Jordan says
I honestly thought all you guys were just running a parody of anti-Christian sentiment, but it turns out you’re serious.
Maybe read up on Rev Graham’s life. He did more to help the poorest among all the nations of the world through his various ministries than you or I would ever dream.
It seems your irrational hatred of our current President is affecting your judgement.
Also, stop being offended so easily. It shows a serious weakness in character.
Don Doman says
Jordan,
There was no anti-Christian sentiment, nor irrational hatred. Taking easy offense is always closer than we think. From what I have read, Graham endorsed other groups and spread the word of his god. I have no problem with that. Lowering the flag and lying in state for that just seems out of place. Thank you for writing.
Marty says
Good point, Jordan. Wonder if these two gentlemen would have been offended had President Obama made this proclamation.