Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has ordered U.S. flags throughout the state of Michigan and on Michigan waters lowered for one day on Friday, July 13, in honor of Army Pfc. Joseph A. Miracle of Ortonville, who died July 5 while on active duty in Afghanistan. Flags should return to full-staff on Saturday.

Miracle, 22, died from wounds sustained from enemy small arms and indirect fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.

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.