Mayor Nutter To Fly City Flags At Half-Staff Tomorrow in Honor of Fallen Navy SEAL

Mayor Michael Nutter will fly all city flags at half-staff tomorrow in honor of Petty Officer Michael Strange, a Mayfair member of the Navy SEAL Team Six who was killed August 6 when insurgents attacked a helicopter in Afghanistan. Governor Tom Corbett has also ordered flags to be lowered at the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities in Philadelphia County.

“His family and friends have my deepest sympathy as they grapple with the loss of a young, heroic life,” Nutter said. “I ask that we all pray for the men and women who risk their lives each and every day ensuring that we maintain our freedoms. I would like to thank all of our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line while serving our nation. Philadelphia has sustained a great loss.”

The flags will be lowered in observance of Strange’s funeral services. This sign of respect is usually reserved for the on-duty death of a municipal worker, but since Strange’s mother was a Philadelphia Police Officer, the city considers him an extended family member.

Services will be held tomorrow at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrated by Cardinal Justin Rigali. Visitation hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a funeral mass will be held at 3 p.m.

The mass will be followed by a flag presentation ceremony at the grass island just east of Logan Circle.