President Trump has issued a proclamation calling for flags across the country to be flown at half-staff to honor civil rights leader and longtime congressman John Lewis.
The proclamation was issued by Trump on Saturday morning as “a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service” of Lewis, who died Friday at the age of 80. The order pertains to all public buildings and grounds, in addition to all military posts, naval stations, and embassies.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany posted a statement on Twitter about the loss of Lewis, who after serving Georgia for 33 years was known as the “Conscience of Congress.”
“Rep. John Lewis was an icon of the civil rights movement, and he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten. We hold his family in our prayers, as we remember Rep. John Lewis’ incredible contributions to our country,” McEnany said.
Trump later tweeted about Lewis.
“Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family,” the president said.
Former President Barack Obama also eulogized Lewis in a Medium post on Saturday. He said Lewis used his life to “speak out for what’s right, to challenge an unjust status quo, and to imagine a better world.”
“He loved this country so much that he risked his life and his blood so that it might live up to its promise. And through the decades, he not only gave all of himself to the cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example,” Obama said.
Lewis, an original Freedom Rider and former chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, announced late last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
