Vermont shows some serious class

Vermont Flags Will Fly At Half-Staff for South Carolina Firefighters

Lt. Governor Brian Dubie Releases Official Statement As Acting Governor

Following consultation with Governor Jim Douglas, Lt. Governor Brian Dubie today released a message to Governor Mark Sanford and the people of South Carolina, on the death of 9 firefighters in a Charleston blaze earlier this week. The message follows:

Dear Governor Sanford,

On behalf of Vermont Governor James Douglas, Vermont’s firefighters, and the people of the State of Vermont, I send our deepest condolences to you and the people of South Carolina on the devastating loss of the nine brave firefighters who perished in the City of Charleston’s horrific blaze.

We reach out with our prayers to their grieving families, their friends and fellow firefighters, knowing that the loss they suffer is both profound, and beyond our imagination.

These firefighters are heroes whose lives will forever serve as a monument to the courage, skill, sacrifice, and selflessness of firefighters everywhere.

As acting governor in Governor Jim Douglas' absence, I am asking today that State of Vermont flags on all buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday, June 22, 2007, the day that Mayor Riley has declared as the City of Charleston’s day of mourning. In addition, Governor Douglas has ordered that the flag of South Carolina fly over our State House that same day.

Very respectfully,

Lt Governor Brian Dubie

State of Vermont