By Hank Russell
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow issued a blistering statement after County Executive Bruce Blakeman had yet to lower county flags to half-staff in tribute to the late President Jimmy Carter, a requirement under federal law and a symbolic act of respect observed nationwide.
Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100. Shortly thereafter, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering all flags at federal buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days.
Koslow (D-Merrick) cited 4 U.S.C. § 7m, which states: “By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of a former President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff for 30 days.”
He also noted that President-elect Donald Trump — a Republican to whom Blakeman has strong ties — issued a heartfelt statement honoring Carter’s legacy. Trump wrote on his TruthSocial account, “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed.”
Koslow said, despite these calls for unity and respect, Blakeman has failed to lower Nassau County’s flags to half-staff.
“Bruce Blakeman’s refusal to lower Nassau County flags to half-staff in honor of President Jimmy Carter is not just a slap in the face to a great American statesman — it’s a blatant disregard for the law and basic decency,” Koslow said. “[A]pparently, Blakeman thinks he’s above the rules and too busy for a simple act of respect. Even Donald Trump, who strongly disagreed with Carter’s politics, offered a gracious and heartfelt tribute.”
Koslow said he does not know why Blakeman is not lowering the flags. He believed it could be “pettiness, laziness, or pure ignorance,” adding, “This isn’t just an embarrassment for Nassau County — it’s a disgrace.”
Long Island Life & Politics has repeatedly reached out to Blakeman’s office for comment, but did not hear back as of press time.