Flags at half staff in honor of Pell

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - To honor the passing of Senator Claiborne Pell, Governor Donald L. Carcieri has ordered Rhode Island State flags lowered to half staff. Flags are to remain at half staff until Senator Pell is laid to rest.

"Senator Pell was one of this country's greatest statesmen," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "He served the people of Rhode Island and this country with the highest honor, dignity and compassion. He was a true gentleman who touched the lives of so many, and will be deeply missed. Perhaps his greatest gift to the American public was his undying passion to education and the establishment of the Pell Grants, allowing millions to achieve the dream of higher education, and was a great protector of the Arts with the creation of the National Endowment of the Arts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nuala and the family."