Federal and State Flags Ordered to Half-Staff for Inouye

President Obama has issued a proclamation ordering all US flags to half-staff as a mark of respect for the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye.

The presidential order states that flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of Inouye’s interment.

Following Obama’s proclamation, Gov. Neil Abercrombie ordered all state flags to be flown at half-staff for the same time period, including those at all state offices, agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard.

Senator Inouye passed away yesterday just after 12 noon Hawaii-time due to complications from respiratory illness. The longtime lawmaker and medal-of-honor recipient, who was also President Pro Tempore of the US senate, was surrounded by family members at the time of his death.

According to those present, Inouye’s final words were “aloha.”