Tributes will be visible nationwide on one of the few occasions when the entire country observes a shared federal tradition.

Gov. Whitmer has ordered flags lowered in conjunction with the former state senator and U.S. representative's funeral.

While some local directives are tied to individual losses, nationwide observances carry broader significance.

There are five designated days when the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff throughout the United States. The president and Florida's governor also can order flags to be flown at half-staff. There are ...