Governor Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff to Honor John Lewis
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset tomorrow, July 30, 2020 to honor Representative John Lewis. The proclamation follows a six day national celebration of his life.
“Congressman Lewis was fearless in his pursuit of a more perfect union,” reads Governor Walz’s proclamation. “Congressman Lewis was a friend, mentor, and leader of character and integrity, and his values pushed the country to rise to a higher purpose and build a more fair and equitable nation.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Lewis, who was a valiant stalwart of the Civil Rights movement – one of the original Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the youngest speaker at the March on Washington, leader of the march from Selma to Montgomery, and a member of Congress representing the people of Georgia for 33 years.
The proclamation reads as follows:
WHEREAS: On July 17, 2020, Congressman John Robert Lewis passed away at the age of 80; and
WHEREAS: The son of sharecroppers, Congressman Lewis grew up in segregated rural Alabama and tirelessly dedicated his life to advancing racial justice, equality, liberty, and fairness; and
WHEREAS: Congressman Lewis was a valiant stalwart of the Civil Rights movement – one of the original Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the youngest speaker at the March on Washington, leader of the march from Selma to Montgomery, and a Member of Congress proudly representing the people of Georgia for 33 years; and
WHEREAS: Known as the Conscience of the Congress, Congressman Lewis was fearless in his pursuit of a more perfect union; and
WHEREAS: Congressman Lewis was a friend, mentor, and leader of character and integrity, and his values pushed the country to rise to a higher purpose and build a more fair and equitable nation; and
WHEREAS: Congressman Lewis bravely and faithfully served the United States of America, and the people of Minnesota have benefited from his steadfast and courageous leadership; and
WHEREAS: To honor the life of Congressman Lewis, the country spent six days celebrating his life, including one last crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge; and
WHEREAS: The family of Congressman Lewis welcomes well-wishers to host at-home “John Lewis Virtual Love Events” to watch the final ceremony, tie blue or purple ribbons to their front doors, and to post virtual tributes to honor Congressman Lewis’ life as he is laid to rest on July 30, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, July 30, 2020, in memory of Congressman John Robert Lewis.