Date: Immediately through March 16, 2017
Flags affected: USA & Kansas State Flag
Reach: Statewide

Governor Sam Brownback orders flags lowered to honor former Kansas Lt. Governor John W. Crutcher

Lt. Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer sends condolences to the family

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Governor Sam Brownback ordered flags in Kansas to be flown at half-staff from sun-up until sun-down beginning immediately and lasting through sun-down Thursday, March 16 to honor former Kansas Lt. Governor John W. Crutcher, who passed away March 13, 2017.

Crutcher, 100, was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1964. Born in Ensign, Kansas in December of 1916, Crutcher grew to live a life of service. He was a graduate of Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas. Crutcher worked as a teacher in a one-room school house, Navy officer during World War II, Kansas State Senator, Kansas Lt. Governor, and filled several federal appointments including Director of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in the Department of the Interior, and as Commissioner of Postal Rates.

“John Crutcher was committed to public service locally, statewide, and nationally,” said Lt. Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer. “As a Kansan and as Lt. Governor, I extend my thanks for his service. Ruth and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Edith, his family, and his friends. I trust they take solace in remembering his life well lived.”

A memorial service is set for Thursday, March 16.

How to properly fly your flag at half-staff

When raising the American flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it.

When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flagpole again & lower it to the bottom.

With a telescoping flag pole it is acceptable to put the USA flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case the top set would be left empty.

When the United States flag is flown at half-staff, State & other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too.

What if you can't lower your flag?

For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.

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