Congressman Cummings' Passing

As authorized by the TOWN OF CHEVERLY ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION 2019-03 on FLAGS

At 9:15 am on Thursday, October 17, 2019, Mayor Riazi directed that the Town of Cheverly lower the United States Flag to half-mast in honor of the life and service of United States Congressman Elijah Cummings. Mayor Riazi further directed that the flag remain lowered until Congressman Cummings’ interment. United States Congressman Elijah Cummings died Thursday morning, October 17, 2019.

Governor Hogan has since ordered that the same respect be shown across the State.

In ordering the lowering of the flag, Mayor Riazi offered these words:

“We will continue to be reminded of the extent of our collective loss over the coming days, as many highlight the remarkable legacy of the life of Elijah Cummings. 

“At its core, Congressman Cummings’ legacy offers a model of how to both lead on national issues and to continue to provide an intimate connection and direct, accessible, and responsive service to the people of one's community.

“As a man, a fearless civil rights activist and a legislator, Congressman Elijah Cummings earned widespread respect and love for his heart, courage, wisdom, forgiveness, and unshakable determination. Elijah Cummings served Maryland's 7th Congressional district since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, and most recently chaired the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform.  We are reminded that his contribution to the people of Maryland stretches back much further. Congressman Cummings’ legacy includes 14 years of service in the Maryland House of Delegates—where he became the first African American in our State's history to advance to Speaker Pro Tem.

“In lowering the flag this morning in the Town of Cheverly, we express our gratitude and pride for the life and legacy of an African American son of Maryland.  Congressman Cummings was a son of sharecroppers, who leveraged education to succeed—first in the practice of law, next as a Maryland Delegate and ultimately to represent his Maryland Congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.  He remained a servant leader to the community of his birth until his far too early departure from this life.

“Congressman Elijah Cummings’ words offer all of us in elected office an important reminder of how to serve. ‘I go home to my district daily. Each morning, I wake up, and I go and fight for my neighbors. It is my constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the Executive Branch. But it is my moral duty to fight for my constituents.’

“May Congressman Cummings’ family, colleagues, friends, and constituents, and all who mourn his passing know comfort and rejoice in his memory.”