LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, November 5 to honor and remember former Senator Vincent Gregory. The flag lowering will coincide with the day of his funeral.
“Senator Vincent Gregory was a quintessential role model,” said Governor Whitmer. “A father of 6, grandfather of 5. A Vietnam veteran, a Wayne County detective, and a union president. He represented Southfield for a decade in the Michigan Legislature, where he garnered respect from both sides of the aisle. Senator Gregory fought passionately for people, got things done, and always found time to be a great mentor. My thoughts are with his wife of 44 years, Yvonne, his family, his friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him.”
Gregory’s career in public service began with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 1968 to 1970. He worked in the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department from 1973 to 2003. Following retirement, Gregory went on to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2009 to 2011 and in the Michigan Senate from 2011 to 2018.
“Southfield is a big city but a tight community — and Vincent Gregory was an integral part of it. He was our trusted and dedicated County Commissioner, State Representative and State Senator,” said State Senator Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield. “In the Legislature, Vince represented southern Oakland County, leading with the heart. As a Vietnam War veteran and a retiree of the Wayne County Sheriff’s office, he amplified the voices of Michiganders who serve on the front lines. It was an honor to learn from him and I was proud work beside him. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and our entire community.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Vincent Gregory,” said State Representative Kyra Bolden, D-Southfield. “Senator Gregory was a kind man and true statesman. From his service in Vietnam to his time in the Legislature, he dedicated his life to his community. He will be remembered for his lasting impact on the Southfield and Lathrup Village communities and for leading with kindness and compassion. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former Senator Vincent Gregory by lowering flags to 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, November 6, 2022.
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