Governor Perdue Orders Flags on State Buildings Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Judge Debra Bernes

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today ordered flags on state buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff tomorrow, July 22, in memory of Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Debra Bernes.  Bernes was first elected to the appellate bench in 2004 and was running for re-election this fall. Bernes, a past president of Cobb County’s bar association, once chaired the Cobb Chamber of Commerce public safety committee. Bernes also served as a trial prosecutor in the Cobb County District Attorney’s office.

“Judge Bernes was a dedicated and devoted public servant,” said Governor Perdue. “Mary and I mourn her passing and pray for her family during this difficult time.”

It is customary for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral for statewide elected officials who pass while in office.

Text of the Executive Order is provided below.

Executive Order

Flags on State Buildings and Grounds Ordered Lowered to Half Staff

WHEREAS:             Today the State of Georgia mourns the loss of the Honorable Debra Bernes, Judge of the Court of Appeals of Georgia; and

WHEREAS:             After graduating from Henry Grady High School in 1973, Judge Bernes received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in 1976, and received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 1978; and

WHEREAS:             Judge Bernes became a member of the State Bar of Georgia in 1979 and began a 20 year career as an assistant district attorney for the Cobb Judicial Circuit; and

WHEREAS:             In 2004, Judge Bernes was elected to the Georgia Court of Appeals, and             since then has served the people of Georgia with honor and distinction;        and

WHEREAS:             The citizens of the State of Georgia share the grief of Judge Bernes’ family          and friends during this time of great loss.

                                    NOW, THEREFORE, IN HONOR AND AS A MARK OF     RESPECT FOR THE MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE         DEBRA BERNES, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY                                     VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF         GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED:              That the flag of the United States and the flag of this State be flown at half-staff on state buildings and grounds on Thursday, July 22, 2010, the day of her funeral, until sunset.

This 21^st day of July, 2010.

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