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.

DOVER – Friday, September 11, 2015, marks the 14-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service, the President orders American flags at all government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff on September 11, “in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”

In concurrence with the President’s order and in remembrance of the victims who lost their lives on that day, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities also be flown at half-staff on Friday, September 11.

DOVER – With the passing of former State Representative Joseph R. Petrilli, Sr. on August 29, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 2, as a mark of respect for Representative Petrilli and his service to Delaware. Representative Petrilli served in the Delaware House from 1978-1998, representing the Pike Creek area. During his time in the legislature, Representative Petrilli served as House Majority Leader.

Flags are to be returned to full-staff at the close of business on Wednesday, September 2.

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights education efforts across Delaware to better prepare our students for success.

“Educators and school leaders across the state are working hard to ensure our students learn the skills they need and have the opportunities they deserve in and outside of the classroom,” said Governor Markell. “Our children are our future and the prosperity of our state relies on helping them realize their potential. By expanding educational opportunities to best serve all of our students’ talents, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4A7rfAxnq7M
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
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Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message – Expanding Educational Opportunities for Students

Each year, I enjoy visiting the Delaware State Fair to meet with Delawareans enjoying the festivities with friends, speak with students who are displaying agricultural projects, I see our youth compete in various competitions and I eat wonderful local food and fruit. The Fair is also an opportunity to highlight the vibrancy of our agricultural community, a huge sector with an $8 billion economic impact. Our farmers are some of the hardest-working and most efficient in the nation. Their products are in demand around the world and agriculture is vital part of our state’s push to increase international trade – forging bonds between Delaware and our friends and neighbors in countries near and far. At this year’s fair, I was pleased to meet with fruit and vegetable growers from Chile and fresh produce buyers from Canadian grocery stores. All spent time this week visiting Delaware farmers and grocery stores and making connections that will benefit everyone involved. We also celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Delaware FFA, which today represents more than 4,200 students learning about agribusiness, science, technology and leadership. All of these initiatives have tremendous potential to bear fruit immediately and for decades to come. Whether it’s through our students laying the groundwork for their education and careers; or more imports of Chilean produce through the Port of Wilmington to increase choice for American and Delaware consumers during the winter months; or it’s more exports of Delaware produce to Canada to benefit Canadian shoppers and our hard-working farm families – we are ensuring that our farmers will continue to thrive, support their families, and grow the state’s economy. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.