WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities through sunset on Saturday, April 20, 2024, to honor former Senator Robert Marshall, a lifelong Delawarean and longtime public servant on the day of his interment.

“Tracey and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Senator Robert Marshall. He was an inspiration for public servants – serving 40 years in the State Senate and not once forgetting the folks he represented in Legislative Hall. I worked closely with the Senator for many years in Dover when I served as President of the Senate. He was always organized labor’s top advocate. He championed efforts to increase Delaware’s minimum wage, including advocating to increase the wage to $15 an hour. I was glad to implement his “work a day, earn a pay” concept as Governor, giving the unemployed an opportunity to go to work by cleaning up litter along Delaware roadways. Senator Marshall was also a tireless advocate for the elderly, capping of his work with Eagles Law which put standards for long-term care facilities in place. Senator Marshall will have a lasting impact on Legislative Hall and the City of Wilmington, and we are thinking of his family, friends, and community during this difficult time. Senator Marshall was truly one of a kind.”

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities through sunset on Saturday, March 9, 2024, to honor lifelong public servant, Korean War veteran and former Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Voshell on the day of his interment.

Voshell began his public service in high school when he was selected to be a member of the Boys State in 1950 and 1951. He spent his career at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, retiring as director after 40 years of state government service. He donated his time and talents to a number of community groups, including Bayhealth, People’s Place, Carlisle and Houston Fire Companies, American Legion Post 3 and Delaware Safety Council. He was an active member of Avenue United Methodist Church.

“Bob was a true public servant who loved his family and his community,” said Governor Carney. “He always put the needs of his constituents and the community first. He was a real gentleman and a strong leader who was a pleasure to work with. Tracey and I were saddened to learn of his passing. We will keep his family and friends in our prayers.” 

WILMINGTON, Del. – With the passing of former Delaware State Senator Myrna L. Bair on January 29, 2024, Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, until end of day Wednesday, February 7, 2024, as a mark of respect for Mrs. Bair and her service to Delaware.

Mrs. Bair was a Delaware State Senator from 1980-2000 and served as the Minority Leader for fourteen years and Minority Whip for two years.

Local Flags are to be lowered to half-staff the morning of Tuesday, February 6, and returned to full staff at the close of business Wednesday, February 7.

Governor Carney also released the following statement:

“I was sad to learn of the passing of Senator Myrna Bair. She was a trailblazer for women in state government, serving as the only woman in legislative leadership as the Minority Leader for 14 years and Minority Whip for two. She advocated for women and families in Legislative Hall, helping to found the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF) and the Office of the Child Advocate. She also started the Women’s Leadership Development Program at the University of Delaware. Her advocacy and motto – ‘government should make sense’ – have had a positive impact on Delaware. She will be sorely missed.”

WILMINGTON, Del. – In accordance with the President’s order, Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at state facilities on the day of interment to honor the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female appointed to the nation’s highest court. A dedicated public servant and advocate for civics education, O’Connor received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Thursday, December 7. “On this day, we honor the brave Americans who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor,” said Governor Carney. “We owe a debt of gratitude to all who have defended our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

Flags should be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, December 7, until sunset.