Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Zachary Bryant. The flag honors will coincide with his birthday.

“Our entire state and nation is thankful for Zachary’s dedication, bravery, and selfless service in the U.S. Army,” Governor Whitmer said. “We pay tribute to Zachary’s memory and recognize his commitment to our state by lowering the flags in his honor. My heart is with his family and loved ones today.”

Bryant was born on August 17, 1992 in Detroit. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Syria, Iraq and Kuwait.

Bryant passed away on August 16, 2020 at the age of 27 years old.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Staff Sergeant Zachary Bryant 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 be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.