Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has ordered U.S. flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered for one day on Tuesday, June 19, , in honor of Army National Guard Sgt. Matthew Soper of Jackson, who died on June 6 while on active duty in Bayil, Iraq. Flags should return to full-staff on Wednesday.
Soper, 25, died from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1461st Transportation Company (Combat Heavy Equipment), Michigan Army National Guard, Jackson.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the United States 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.