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PoliticsJune 8, 2026

Governor Hochul Directs State Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham

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NY
New York Governor
Jun 8

Flags Will Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State Tomorrow June 9, From Sunrise to Sunset14 State Landmarks To Be Illuminated Across New York State in Celebration of George Gresham’s Life and Labor Legacy

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and public service of former 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham who passed away on Friday, May 8, at the age of 71 after a long illness.

Flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, June 9.

Governor Hochul also directed state landmarks to be lit purple on June 9 in honor of George’s legacy of social justice and fighting for labor.

“From his start as a hospital worker to leading 1199SEIU, George Gresham was a legendary labor leader who never stopped fighting for working people, communities of color, and the dignity every New Yorker deserves,”Governor Hochul said. “His voice helped shape New York’s labor movement and strengthen the rights of healthcare workers across our state.

My prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the entire 1199SEIU family.

May he rest in peace.”

The following 14 landmarks will be illuminated purple tomorrow evening:

One World Trade Center

Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Kosciuszko Bridge

The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building

Alfred E. Smith State Office Building

Empire State Plaza

State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center

The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge

Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct

Albany International Airport Gateway

MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station

Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

Moynihan Train Hall

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

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