ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Thursday, September 1, 2016, the day of his interment, in honor and remembrance of General John William Vessey, Jr., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
General John William Vessey, Jr. passed away on August 18, 2016, at the age of 94. General Vessey was born on June 29, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and had a remarkable 46-year military career, including serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1992, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
