President Donald J. Trump on Thursday ordered flags lowered “as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service of Representative Elijah E. Cummings.”

A veteran Civil Rights activist and the Congressman of Maryland’s 7th District since 1996, Mr Cummings died Thursday morning. A native of Baltimore, Mr Cummings also served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and was the first African American to be named Speaker Pro Tempore of Maryland.

President Trump called for flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset of October 18.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont followed suit, also ordering US and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff until sunset on Friday.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

“With the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings, we have lost a powerful force for good, a man of integrity and courage, and fierce champion of civil rights,” Gov Lamont said. “His passing is a terrible loss for our country.”