During the past year, I have seen on numerous occasions the American flag lowered to half-staff to honor
a local citizen, local official or veteran. This totally usurps the flag code of the United States and
is a direct affront to military veterans.
According to the Congressional Research Services Report for Congress, "The United States Flag:
Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions" updated April 14, 2008, Section m,
"by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal
figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark
of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the
flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance
with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.
In the event of the death of a present or former officials of the government of any state, territory, or
possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that
the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the mayor of the
District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members
of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia."
Therefore, it is wrong for any business, local government, or veterans organization to fly the flag at
half-staff without an order from the President of the United States or the Governor of this State. By
doing so, you are being disrespectful of the flag and are being disrespectful toward the person that you
wish to honor.
Dick Conrad, commander
Lybarger-Grimm American Legion Post 441, Tontogany