DOVER – President Obama Thursday ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately, “as a mark of respect for the victims of gun violence perpetrated on December 2, 2015, in San Bernardino, California.” In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the people affected by the tragedy in San Bernardino, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities also be flown at half-staff.

Monday also marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year, on December 7, we honor the men and women who selflessly sacrificed for our country, and we show our enduring gratitude to all who fought to defend freedom against the forces of tyranny and oppression in the Second World War. Governor Markell further orders the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff through December 7, 2015 in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Flags can be returned to full-staff at the start of business on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

DOVER – President Obama Sunday ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on November 13, 2015, in Paris, France.” In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the people affected by the tragedy in Paris, Gov. Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities also be flown at half-staff until sunset on November 19, 2015.

DOVER – With the passing of Family Court Judge Alan N. Cooper on October 18, 2015, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning on the morning of October 22, 2015, as a mark of respect for Judge Cooper and his ten years of public service to the State of Delaware as a Family Court Judge. Prior to his appointment to Family Court, Judge Cooper was a founding partner at the law firm of Berkowitz, Schagrin & Cooper, P.A. While in private practice, he was a volunteer for Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, the Office of the Child Advocate, and the Victim’s Advocacy Program and was the recipient of Delaware Volunteer Legal Services’ Outstanding Pro Bono Service award in 2002. He carried his sense of commitment to the community with him to the Family Court, leading many of the court’s initiatives for systems change, particularly in the area of domestic violence.
 
Flags are to be returned to full-staff at the close of business on Friday, October 23, 2015.

DOVER, DE – With the passing of former State Representative Charles P. West on October 7, 2015, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately, as a mark of respect for Representative West and his service to Delaware. Representative West served in the Delaware House from 1956-1958 and 1978-2002, representing the Gumboro and Millsboro areas. During his time in the legislature, he championed education issues and helped establish the Sussex County Veterans Cemetery. Representative West also served his country and community as a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army and founding member of the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company.

Flags are to be returned to full staff at close of business on the day of Representative West’s interment, Monday, October 12, 2015.

DOVER – On Saturday, Delaware will lay to rest civil rights activist and mentor James H. Gilliam, Sr. Mr. Gilliam, a World War II veteran and member of the Buffalo Soldiers, served as a dedicated community leader and role model. He helped develop and lead numerous community organizations, including as President of the National Urban League Development Fund, Board President of the Children’s Bureau of Delaware, and Director of United Way of Delaware. A private memorial service for the family will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by an open reception at 2 p.m. at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin.

In recognition of Mr. Gilliam’s decades of service to Delaware, Governor Markell has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning this afternoon until the start of business on Monday, October 5.