Flags lowered to honor Claiborne Pell

PROVIDENCE—To honor the passing of Sen. Claiborne Pell, Gov. Don Carcieri has ordered Rhode Island State flags lowered to half staff.

Flags are to remain at half staff until Sen. Pell is laid to rest.

In a statement from the governor’s office Carcieri said,“ Senator Pell was one of this country’s greatest statesmen.“

“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.“