Obama orders flags flown at half-staff for Arlen Specter

American flags at the White House and public, federal government buildings will be flown at half-staff to honor Sen. Arlen Specter, who died Sunday.

President Barack Obama issued the proclamation today, ordering that the flags will be flown at half-staff on Specter's day of interment "as a mark of respect for [his] memory."

Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday in Pennsylvania.

Specter, a centrist who played a crucial role in the Senate, died at age 82 after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The American Federation of Government Employees expressed sadness over his passing. "Although not always in sync with our positions, Specter stood by federal employees, including sponsoring legislation to block privatization studies, enhance veterans care and support the Bureau of Prisons," the union said.  

Government Executive staff contributed to this report.