Post Offices, federal offices to observe national day of mourning; Gov. Fallin orders flags flown at half-staff

Americans will observe a national day of mourning Wednesday, December 5, for former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away last week at the age of 94.

The federal government will be closed, including post offices, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is halting its regular mail deliveries on Wednesday in honor of the former president, according to the following USPS statement:

“Out of respect for the 41st President of the United States and to honor his vast contributions to our country during his lifetime, and consistent with the Presidential Proclamation, the United States Postal Service will suspend regular mail deliveries, retail services, and administrative office activity on Dec. 5.

“We will provide limited package delivery service on that day to ensure that our network remains fluid and we do not experience any impacts to our package delivery operations that might negativity affect our customers or business partners during the remainder of our busy holiday season.”

The USPS has closed or suspended operations at least seven times to mourn presidents, including John F. Kennedy in November 1963, Dwight D. Eisenhower in March 1969, Harry S. Truman in December 1972, Lyndon B. Johnson in January 1973, Richard Nixon in April 1994, Ronald Reagan in June 2004 and Gerald Ford in 2007.

The post office is an independent agency of the federal government.

On Saturday, Gov. Mary Fallin issued an executive order directing that all American and Oklahoma flags on state property be flown half-staff for 30 days following Bush’s passing to honor his life and legacy.

The order reads:

“George H.W. Bush’s time on Earth as a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, military combat veteran, former member of Congress, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the United States Liaison Office in China, Director of Central Intelligence, Vice President and President of the United States, was remarkable and his legacy is substantial and enduring. George H.W. Bush’s life stood as a testament to faithfulness, selfless service, and patriotism.”