Mayor Bill de Blasio on the passing of Mario Cuomo

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO

Bill de Blasio

“Tonight, New York has lost a giant. Mario Cuomo was a man of unwavering principle who possessed a compassion for humankind that was without equal.

“He established the gold standard in New York State for how public servants should act, and set an example that the rest of us continue to aspire to today.

“He was a man who campaigned with poetry and governed with beautiful prose. He was a man who always stood for what he believed in, no matter what challenges were before him. He taught us how the family of New York—and indeed the family of Americans—must always support those most in need of help. And he was a leader who always brought New York State to a better place.

“As he would often remind us, the state’s motto was ‘Excelsior’ or ‘Ever Upward.’ Mario Cuomo personified the idea of New York, always urging us to look ‘ever upward.’ Excelsior, Governor Cuomo. We will never forget his legacy.

“On behalf of the people of New York City and my family, our thoughts and prayers are with Matilda Cuomo, Governor Cuomo, and the entire Cuomo family.”

As a mark of respect for former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo, who died today, January 1, 2015, by order of the Mayor of the City of New York, Bill de Blasio, all flags, already lowered for NYPD Detectives Ramos and Liu, shall remain at half-staff for 30 days. This includes all flags, the American flag, the New York State and City flags, and the POW-MIA flags on all City buildings and stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs.

Flags will return to the full-staff position on Sunday, February 1, 2015.

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