Governor Northam Statement on the Passing of Former Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager and Flag Order

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement yesterday on the passing of former Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager. "John Hager devoted his life to public service, and I admired his love for our country and for Virginia.

"He served in the Army and worked as a businessman, but he will be remembered as a volunteer, an athlete, an author, and a patriot.

"I first met John after running for public office, and he helped me learn the job of being Lieutenant Governor. Anyone who worked in Virginia politics quickly learned that John was everywhere, and no one outworked him. He earned victory and knew defeat, and he kept going. John held fast to his principles, and he knew when to reach across the aisle to compromise. Our country misses his example.

"Most of all, John was a family man. Pam and I send our thoughts and prayers to Maggie, Jack, Henry, and the entire Hager family.

"I have ordered Virginia state flags to be flown at half-staff for ten days in John’s honor.”

This is to order that the flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia is to be flown at half-staff
over the state Capitol and all local, state, and federal buildings and grounds in respect and
memory of former Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager.
I hereby order that the flag shall be lowered until sunset, September 2, 2020.
Ordered on this, the 23rd day of August, 2020.
Sincerely,
Ralph S. Northam

The Governor’s flag order is available here.