Why Michigan Flags Were Lowered
Flags Lowered for Senator Joel Gougeon.
When the Michigan Half-Staff Order Began and Ended
Use the exact end boundary above. A flag may return to full-staff at sunset, noon, a stated clock time, or another named event. If the end is not confirmed, open the source before acting.
Where the Michigan Half-Staff Order Applied
Facilities and locations specified in the official notice
- Facilities
- State
- U.S. flag
- Affected
- State flag
- Not stated
- Private display
- Not stated
What This Half-Staff Order Means for Flag Owners
Follow the Locations Named in This Order
An order can cover federal property, all state facilities, one building, or another named place. Do not expand a limited order beyond the stored scope.
Return Flags to Full-Staff at the Stated Time
Use the end date and boundary above. Before raising the flag, confirm that a newer federal or state half-staff order has not taken effect.
Check for a Newer Half-Staff Order
This detail page preserves one directive. It does not make an old order current, so use today’s status page for the latest operational answer.
Official Source and Evidence for This Half-Staff Order
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to honor and remember former state Senator Joel Gougeon. “Senator Gougeon was a dedicated public servant who served his community admirably in the U.S. Air Force and the state Senate,” said Governor Whitmer . “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who worked with and served alongside him.” Former state Senator Joel Gougeon graduated from T.L. Handy High School and then earned a degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute. After graduating, Gougeon served in the United States Air Force as an F-4 Phantom pilot. When he returned home, he founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. with his brothers, Meade and Jan. Gougeon served in the Michigan State Senate from 1993-2002 and also served on the Bay County Commissioners from 1984-1990. During his time in the Senate, he helped rewrite the Mental Health Code to reduce stigma and expand support for mental health research. After retiring from the Senate, Gougeon founded his own consulting company and continued to participate in community service. The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Joel Gougeon by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex . 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 Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Michigan Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Flags Lowered for Senator Joel Gougeon order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins January 13, 2026 and ends January 13, 2026. Check the current status page before changing a flag.
Does this Michigan half-staff order apply to homes and businesses?
Only if the notice says so. Government orders usually direct named public facilities and may separately invite private citizens, businesses, and organizations to participate. Check “Private display” in the scope above and read the source when it is not stated.
Which flags and locations did this order cover?
Use the scope cards above. They separate the facility type, geographic area, U.S. flag, state flag, and private-display guidance retained from the notice.
Where can I verify this half-staff order?
Use the official-source link on this page. The government notice remains authoritative if it differs from this normalized record.