LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, Aug. 24, on all state buildings and within the state capitol complex in honor of former Congressman Vern Ehlers, who died Tuesday, Aug. 15.

“Vern was a devoted public servant and represented the best of Michigan,” Snyder said. “I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and community during this time.”

Ehlers spent six years teaching and researching at the University of California, Berkeley, and 16 years as a physics professor at Calvin College. He later served as a Kent County commissioner, state representative, state senator, and U.S. representative. Ehlers implemented a statewide 911 protocol, re-wrote the nation’s science policy, worked tirelessly to improve STEM education, computerize the state Legislature, and put the U.S. Congress online. He also spearheaded the Great Lakes Legacy Act.

A service in his honor will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full staff on Friday, Aug. 25.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.