LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – Flags are flying at half-staff across the country to commemorate former President Jimmy Carter, except for in one New York county.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has refused to lower flags in his district in the former president’s honor.
“Whether it’s pettiness, laziness, or pure ignorance, Nassau deserves a County Executive who understands that honoring a former president transcends partisan politics,” said Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow in a statement on Friday.
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering all flags at federal buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days following the passing of former President Carter.
This is the longest period possible for the flags to fly at half-staff, reserved for the death of the sitting president or former presidents, according to a proclamation signed in 1954.
“President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history,” Biden said.
PIX11 News reached out to the Nassau County executive for a statement but did not hear back at the time of publication.
This story comprises reporting from Nexstar Media Wire and Emily Rahhal.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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