Flags lowered Friday for Navy SEAL Brett Allen Marihugh

LANSING, Mich.—By order of Gov. Rick Snyder, flags on all campuses of Western Michigan University and throughout Michigan will be lowered to half-staff Friday, May 8, in honor of Navy SEAL Brett Allen Marihugh, of Livonia.

Marihugh, 34, died following a training accident Sunday, April 26.

Brett Allen Marihugh

entered the Navy in December 2006, completing basic underwater demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, California in October 2007. Prior to becoming a Navy SEAL, Marihugh served in the Marine Corps from 1999 to 2003.

Between his time with the Marines and the Navy, Marihugh worked as a deputy for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Marihugh was a trained medic and received multiple awards during his time in the military, including the Bronze Star.

A service honoring his life is scheduled for Saturday, May 9.

Flags at half-staff

Former Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm issued a proclamation in 2003, requiring U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Michigan was among the first states to honor its fallen sons and daughters by lowering flags.

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