Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Identified MIA WWII Soldier

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Saturday, June 13 to honor the life and service of Army Cpl. George F. Sepsey. The flag honors will coincide with his funeral.   

“Corporal Sepsey served our country with honor and dignity,” said Governor Whitmer. “After so many years of uncertainty, the return of Corporal Sepsey’s remains will help to provide some closure to his family. We will always work to fulfill our pledge to never leave a servicemember behind no matter how long it takes. I have lowered the flags to honor his life and signify our state’s appreciation to finally have him home.”  

In late 1942, Sepsey was assigned to Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, and deployed in present day Papua New Guinea. He was reportedly killed in action on Nov. 26, 1942, during a grueling fight against Japanese forces along the Sanananda Track. His remains were not recovered after the war as they were labeled as an unknown soldier and only recently identified through laboratory analysis.  

Cpl. George F. Sepsey will be buried at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery.   

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Cpl. George Sepsey 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 Sunday, June 14.