Today, Governor Matt Meyer issued the following statement regarding the passing of World War II veteran 1st Lt. Raymond Firmani of Elsmere at the age of 103:

“Ray Firmani was a true Delawarean who served his community and his country with honor. He was a part of the fabric of Elsmere and counseled generations of Delaware leaders. If we are indeed a state of neighbors, then Ray Firmani set the bar that we should all aspire to reach. Lauren and I are sending our deepest condolences and prayers to his entire family and everyone who called Ray a friend. His life was long, but his memory will last even longer.”

To recognize Mr. Firmani’s lifetime of service to the United States and the State of Delaware, Governor Meyer orders flags at all state-owned buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on Monday, July 28.

1st Lt. Ray Firmani was a B-17 Co-pilot in the 486th Heavy Bombardment Group, part of the mighty 8th Air Force in World War II. He flew 25 missions over Germany and France, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. A Delaware resident for 98 years, he graduated from Wilmington High School and had a 46-year career with DuPont. Mr. Firmani passed away on July 21.