Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former Vice President Walter Mondale April 21, 2021

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to remain lowered at half-staff until the date of interment to remember former Vice President Walter Mondale who passed away on Monday, April 19.

“Walter Mondale was a model public servant who served his beloved state of Minnesota and the United States as a Minnesota Attorney General, United States Ambassador, United States Senator, and Vice President under President Jimmy Carter,” said Governor Whitmer. “From a small town in Minnesota, he became a national leader, advocating for progressive policy and changing the course of American history. His fight was the good fight, and his legacy lives on in each of who do the work of making this world fairer, freer, and more just.”

Walter Mondale was born on January 5, 1928 in Ceylon, Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, and served in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of corporal. Walter Mondale was a lifelong public servant, serving as Attorney General of Minnesota from 1960 to 1964, U.S. Senator from 1964 to 1976, and as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1996.

He was the 42nd Vice President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, serving alongside President Jimmy Carter. He ran for president in 1984, where he selected Geraldine Ferraro as his running-mate, making her the first woman nominated for vice president by a major political party.

He married Joan Adams in 1955 and had three children, Ted, Eleanor, and William.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former Vice President Walter Mondale by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

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 remain lowered until interment. A follow-up release will be sent to raise the flags.