Flags in Minnesota are at half-staff in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney

Flags are at half-staff in Minnesota in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died earlier this week.

Gov. Tim Walz issued that proclamation on Wednesday.

The proclamation notes that Cheney “is widely recognized for redefining the role of the vice president from a primarily ceremonial position to one of substantive influence, strengthening continuity within the executive branch.”

It also recounts Cheney’s decades of public service — not just as vice president for eight years under President George W. Bush, but also as a congressman, chief of staff to President Gerald Ford, and secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush, among other roles.

“Gwen and I extend our deepest condolences to the Cheney family and all who are mourning his passing,” Walz said in a statement.