WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) clarified a Forest Service policy to authorize District Rangers to lower the American flag “when the Governor directed such in honor of our fallen soldiers.” The clarification was the result of a concern expressed to Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) by a local constituent. 

A Mio resident contacted Stupak after the Governor’s directive to lower American flags to half staff in the name of a fallen Michigan soldier was not honored by the Huron-Manistee National Forest office in Mio, Michigan. The USDA responded to Stupak’s inquiry that it was ultimately a policy decision left to the USDA’s Forest Service Chief to issue such a directive.

Stupak then wrote to Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, saying in part, “The current situation is upsetting to residents of the town and also reflects poorly on the USDA when the Forest Service is the only business in the area that does not have their flag lowered when the Governor issues an Executive Order. Therefore, I request that you permit the Forest Service in Mio to lower their flag when the Governor of Michigan issues an Executive Order.”

Bosworth responded that he did, in fact, have the authority to direct Forest Service offices to lower the flag to half staff when the Governor issued an Executive Order. He explained that the issue had been discussed with the Regional Foresters who would in turn grant such authority to the local District Rangers.

“Many Forest Service employees are currently serving in National Guard and Reserve units stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Bosworth. “All Forest Service employees have the highest regard and appreciation for these individuals and for all those serving our great country.”

Stupak said that the clarification would benefit the entire state of Michigan encouraging all local government offices to honor Michigan’s fallen soldiers.

“Had this local resident not expressed their concern about this particular incident, we may never have uncovered this lack of clarity in the chain of command,” Stupak said. “I hope that organizations, businesses and government offices around the state of Michigan honor our fallen soldiers by following the Governor’s Executive Order to lower the American flag as a sign of respect for their service.”

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