Governor orders flags lowered to honor fallen soldier.

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, Nov. 26, in honor of Sgt. 1^st Class Michael Cathcart, of Bay City.

Cathcart was killed in action at age 31, on Friday, Nov. 14, while serving in Afghanistan.

“Michael made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our state and nation. He showed great courage and dedication every day to protect our country and our freedoms,” said Snyder. “On behalf of all Michiganders, my thoughts and condolences go out to Michael’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Cathcart most recently served as a senior engineer sergeant in the 3^rd Battalion, 3^rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After completing high school at Bay City Central, Cathcart enlisted in the Army and served as a fire support specialist. Cathcart also served more than five years in the 101st Airborne Division and volunteered to serve in the Special Forces in 2007.

Cathcart earned several awards during his military career, including four Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts.

The funeral service is Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. at All Saints Parish – St. Bonfiace Campus in Bay City.

This flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Thursday, Nov. 27.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U. S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.