Gov. Sonny Perdue today ordered flags on all state buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff in memory of civil rights activist Coretta Scott King. The flags will remain at half staff until sunset the night of her funeral.

“Coretta Scott King was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of our time,” said Gov. Perdue. “While her husband was the public face of the civil rights movement, no person is that successful without strong support at home. She was the anchor on which he depended, allowing him to reach historic triumphs. Coretta Scott King, along with thousands of others, took a morally courageous stand to end segregation in our Nation and fought for equal treatment for all citizens under the law. Mrs. King was a gracious and kind woman whose calm, measured words rose above the din of political rhetoric. For decades, she proudly bore the torch of her husband's legacy. Now she has passed it on to a new generation to keep the dream alive. Mary and I mourn the passing of this dynamic leader.”

Text of the Executive Order:

Executive Order

FLAGS ON STATE BUILDINGS ORDERED LOWERED TO HALF STAFF

WHEREAS: Today the State of Georgia mourns the loss of Coretta Scott King, one of the most graceful and influential civil rights leaders of our time; and

WHEREAS: Throughout the Civil Rights movement, Coretta Scott King was an aid and comfort to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and following his tragic death, carried on their non-violent movement for equality and justice; and

WHEREAS: In 1968, Coretta Scott King founded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia to honor Dr. King’s memory and to advance the cause of civil rights; and

WHEREAS: Coretta Scott King demonstrated unwavering dedication to the causes of social justice and peace that she and her husband held dear and carried that message across all nations.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN HONOR AND AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE MEMORY OF CORETTA SCOTT KING, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED: That the flag of the United States and the flag of this State be flown at half-staff on all state buildings and grounds from this date until sunset on the day of her funeral.

This 31st day of January, 2006.

(Signed: Sonny Perdue)

GOVERNOR

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., (R-Tenn.) today made the following statement:

“Coretta Scott King inspired generations of Americans to realize the American dream of freedom and equality for all. Meeting with her, I felt her warmth and genuineness – she was a trailblazer and true messenger of peace.

“Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a nation to reach for its highest ideals. And while we say goodbye to Mrs. King today, we must honor her life by working toward the shared vision of an American society that values individual freedom, equality and content of character above all else. Though her presence will be missed, her message will stay with us forever.”

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Stuart James said, "Coretta Scott King took up the mantle for peace and equality after her husband's assassination. She was a woman of dignity and character.

"Coretta Scott King died today closing a chapter in the fight for a colorless humanity where the color of your skin does not limit you in your life's goals. Despite her death, Coretta Scott King remains a pioneer for peace, a pioneer for humanity."