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News Releases
GSA Announces New Flag Policy
GSA # 10451 February 12, 2008 WASHINGTON — The United States flag may now be flown at half-staff on GSA-owned and managed federal installations or facilities in honor of veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty thanks to a revision of policy by the U.S. General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service. “This policy change is about honoring the Americans who, throughout history, have placed their own happiness and well-being second to our national security,” said GSA Administrator Lurita Doan. ”Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice are owed a debt that can never be repaid, but we can and should show our appreciation in the most respectful manner possible.” Public Law 110-41, “The Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act of 2007” authorizes the governor of a state, territory or possession of the United States, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia, to issue a proclamation directing that the flag be flown at half-staff on federal installations or facilities in the area covered by the proclamation upon the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that state, territory, U.S. possession or the District of Columbia, who dies while serving on active duty. “We must continue to cherish the symbol of freedom that flies proudly outside of GSA’s federally-owned space,” said David Winstead, Commissioner of GSA’s Public Buildings Service. “Over 200 years ago, Americans created the flag that still remains an icon of our country’s unity and strength. This new law ensures that the American flag will be displayed and cared for in the most respectful way, honoring our fallen heroes and inspiring millions of citizens who see it flying every day.” GSA is responsible for flying the flag at all GSA-controlled locations, unless specifically stated otherwise in the policy. This includes all buildings that have been delegated to other federal agencies by the GSA administrator as well as GSA-leased buildings, if provisions for flying the flag are addressed in the lease.
Founded in 1949, GSA serves as a centralized procurement and property management agency for the federal government. GSA manages more than one-fourth of the government’s total procurement dollars and influences the management of $500 billion in federal assets, including 8,600 government-owned or leased buildings and 208,000 vehicles. GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 425 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services. GSA’s mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.
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