Flags have been lowered across the country to memorialize the late former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, who died March 23.

President Joseph Biden called Albright, the first woman in US history to serve as Secretary of State, “a force” who “defied convention and broke barriers again and again” in a proclamation issued a few hours after her death that called for United States flags to be lowered.

“She was an immigrant fleeing persecution. A refugee in need of safe haven. And like so many before her — and after — she was proudly American,” Biden also said of the late Albright, whose family immigrated to the country from Czechoslovakia in 1948.

“A scholar, teacher, bestselling author, and later accomplished business woman, she always believed America was the indispensable Nation, and inspired the next generation of public servants to follow her lead, including countless women leaders around the world. Madeleine was always a force for goodness, grace, and decency — and for freedom,” the president’s proclamation also noted.

Governor Ned Lamont also issued a statement on Wednesday.

“Madeleine Albright championed human rights across the globe,” Lamont said. “In every role in which she served, she promoted peace and democracy, something we need today more than ever. She was a trailblazer who made our homeland safer by strengthening relationships with people and nations around the globe. Her passing is a terrible loss to our nation that will be felt well beyond our borders. Annie and I send condolences to her friends and family.”

Flags are to remain lowered until sunset Sunday, March 27. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags — including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise — should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

Hook & Ladder firefighters lowered the Main Street flag late Wednesday afternoon.