U.S. governors have directed flags to be lowered half-mast today to commemorate the passing of four remarkable Americans from their states, including country music star Toby Keith and Medal of Honor recipient Captain Larry Taylor.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered the lowering of U.S. and state flags following news of Keith's death earlier this week. Keith, 62, died on Monday after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.
"A fellow Oklahoman, Toby Keith inspired love for the American attitude, appreciation for the strength of our country, and respect for the stars and stripes," Stitt said.
"His songs are often used to convey what it means to be an American, and his dedication to supporting our troops overseas continues to touch the hearts of many,
"The first lady and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Keith family at this time."
Tennessee lowered flags at the State Capitol and all state office buildings to half-mast on Wednesday, the day of internment for U.S. Army Captain and Medal of Honor recipient, Larry Taylor, who died on January 28, 2024, aged 81.
Taylor, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1942, served in Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968. A U.S. Army biography states that Taylor was awarded the Silver Star, upgraded by President Joe Biden to the Medal of Honor in 2023, for rescuing a four-man, long-range patrol team "at significant risk to his own life" on June 18, 1968.
In remarks given at the Medal of Honor ceremony, Biden recollected that when he called Taylor to say he would receive the medal, Taylor replied "I thought you had to do something to receive the Medal of Honor."
"Well, Larry, you sure in hell did something, man," Biden continued.
"If you ask anyone here, I'm pretty sure they'd say something—you did something extraordinary."
In Delaware, flags have been lowered for former State Sen. Myrna L. Bair, who died on January 29, 2024. Bair was state senator from 1980-2000, serving as minority leader for 14 years and minority whip for two.
Gov. John Carney, who ordered state flags to be flown at half-mast at all state facilities until the end of Wednesday, February 7, said in a statement that Bair was a "trailblazer for women in state government."
"She advocated for women and families in Legislative Hall, helping to found the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families and the Office of the Child Advocate," Carney added.
"She also started the Women's Leadership Development Program at the University of Delaware. Her advocacy and motto—'government should make sense'—have had a positive impact on Delaware. She will be sorely missed."
Massachusetts will honor Master Sergeant Colin Delorme, who died on January 31, 2024, aged 32. Delorme, of the United States Air Force, 39th Electronic Warfare Squadron, formerly of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 13 years, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal.
A report by the Worcester Telegram & Gazettestates he is survived by his wife of 12 years, Adeline Delorme, and their four children: Ellysia, 11, Elihu, 8, Ethan, 4, and Emmaline, 2.
Gov. Maura Healey ordered U.S. and Commonwealth of Massachusetts flags to be lowered at all state buildings until sunset on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the day Delorme is interned.
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