Governor Walz Joins States Across U.S. in Ordering Flags Flown at Half-Staff to Honor John Lewis

Statement

Governor Tim Walz today directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, until sunset today, July 18, 2020 to honor Representative John Lewis, who passed away on Friday. From an early age, Lewis dedicated his life to advancing justice, equality, liberty, and fairness.

"I will always be grateful to have served in Congress with John Lewis, a civil rights leader who never gave up on building a more fair, more equal country," said Governor Walz. "His heart, his ideas, and his legacy will forever be etched in history."

"Representative John Lewis was an extraordinary force for justice, from his organizing work in the streets of Selma to the halls of Congress," said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. "While we are heartbroken by his passing, we're more committed than ever to keep making good trouble on his behalf."

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Lewis, who was a valiant stalwart of the Civil Rights movement -- one of the original Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the youngest speaker at the March on Washington, leader of the march from Selma to Montgomery, and a member of Congress representing the people of Georgia for 33 years.

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