Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, September 13, in honor of civil rights activist Major General Joseph McNeil, who passed away on Thursday.
A Wilmington, North Carolina native, McNeil was one of four college students who on February 1, 1960 refused to give up their seats at a segregated lunch counter at Woolworth Department Store in Greensboro. While attending college at North Carolina A&T State University, he alongside students David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Ezell Blair, sparked a movement of peaceful protests in segregated facilities across the country. A man of courage, he also served in the U.S. Air Force where he reached the rank of major general.
“Major General Joseph McNeil, one of the Greensboro Four, shaped civil rights history here in North Carolina and helped spark the movement that changed our country for the better,” said Governor Josh Stein. “May his memory be a blessing."
Services for Major General McNeil will be held today in Hempstead, NY where he lived for several years. On Sept. 11, services will be held at McNeil’s alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University. Funeral services and interment will be held in Wilmington, McNeil’s hometown, on Saturday, Sept. 13.
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Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.
Background
North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the U.S. Flag Code.
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