Vermont Business Magazine Governor Shumlin today ordered flags around Vermont to fly at half-staff in honor of the young Vermonters who lost their lives this past weekend.
Flag to be Lowered to Half Staff
Per order of
Governor Peter Shumlin
Where the flag will be lowered: All Vermont State facilities
Which flag will be lowered: Vermont Flag
Date the flag is to be lowered (as soon as possible): Monday, October 10, 2016
Date the flag is to return to full staff (at sunrise): Thursday, October 13, 2016
Name of person being honored/Reason to Lower Flag(s):
The flag is being lowered to half-staff in honor of the five young Vermonters who lost their lives in an automobile accident this past weekend. The students, from the Harwood Union High School community, are:
Eli Brookens
Janie Cozzi
Liam Hale
Mary Harris
Cyrus Zschau
A statement from Governor Shumlin: “The loss of five young Vermonters in such a senseless tragedy is heartbreaking. Vermont is a community, and today we share the sadness and loss of the families and friends of these teens. My deepest sympathies are with their loved ones.”
Senator Patrick Leahy said in a statement: "Marcelle and I join the entire Harwood community, and all Vermonters, in mourning the loss of these five young lives. We were shocked and deeply saddened by this unspeakable and unimaginable tragedy. We want their families to know that we are prayerful about their grief and their suffering."
Secretary of Education Rebecca Holcombe issued the following statement: “Our state experienced a devastating loss this weekend when five of our teenagers were killed in a crash on Interstate 89.To lose five students in this unprecedented way is tragic. Our hearts are with the families, the Washington West Supervisory Union, the Harwood Union High School community and the students and staff at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire. We stand by to offer care and support as these communities grieve for their children.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) issued the following statement Tuesday:
“Five young Vermonters were taken from us in a senseless tragedy this weekend. Eli Brookens, Janie Cozzi, Liam Hale, Mary Harris and Cyrus Zschau – just 15 and 16 years old – had just started their lives and were robbed of their futures. The pain, shock and sadness of their families is beyond comprehension. Jane and I are deeply saddened by this tragic event and offer our condolences to the families and the entire Harwood Union High School community.”