Obama orders flags at half-staff to honor the late Sen. Robert Byrd

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Obama orders flags lowered for Byrd

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late Sen. Robert Byrd.

Obama issued the order Wednesday, two days after Byrd’s death at age 92. Byrd, of West Virginia, was the longest-serving U.S. senator.

Byrd’s body will lie in repose in the Senate chamber on Thursday, and a memorial service will be held in West Virginia on Friday. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are attending.

Byrd is to be interred next Tuesday next to his wife, Erma, at a cemetery in Virginia. Obama ordered flags to remain at half-staff until sunset the day of Byrd’s interment.