Nassau County’s Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola
Nassau County, NY (January 2, 2025) — Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow issued a blistering statement today calling on County Executive Bruce Blakeman to lower county flags to half-staff in tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, a requirement under federal law and a symbolic act of respect observed nationwide.
President Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on December 29th, 2024. Shortly thereafter, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering all flags at federal buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days, in accordance with 4 U.S.C. § 7m, which states:
"By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of a former President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff for 30 days."
Even former President Donald Trump issued a heartfelt statement honoring Carter’s legacy, writing, "While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed.
Despite these calls for unity and respect, County Executive Bruce Blakeman has failed to lower Nassau County’s flags to half-staff. Legislator Koslow did not mince words in his response:
“Bruce Blakeman’s refusal to lower Nassau County flags to half-staff in honor of President Jimmy Carter is not just a slap in the face to a great American statesman — it’s a blatant disregard for the law and basic decency. President Biden, following U.S. Code, ordered all flags to be lowered for 30 days to honor the passing of the 39th President. Governors across the country followed suit, but apparently, Blakeman thinks he’s above the rules and too busy for a simple act of respect. Even Donald Trump, who strongly disagreed with Carter’s politics, offered a gracious and heartfelt tribute. Whether it’s pettiness, laziness, or pure ignorance, Nassau deserves a County Executive who understands that honoring a former president transcends partisan politics. This isn’t just an embarrassment for Nassau County — it’s a disgrace.”
Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy have been celebrated across the nation, from his time in the Oval Office to his decades of humanitarian work after his presidency. Legislator Koslow called on Blakeman to correct this failure and lower Nassau County’s flags immediately, in compliance with federal law.