LANSING Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff today to honor the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

“Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of the courage and bravery of the men and women at Pearl Harbor, and honors the thousands of Americans who paid the ultimate price during the attack on our nation,” Whitmer said. “It’s a testament to our resolve as Americans during times of great adversity when we come together as one.”

The State of Michigan observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

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.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday.