The flags have been ordered to fly at half staff once again. I can not recall a time when that has happened with such frequency. Our country is in mourning. The flag is lowered as a sign of morning and respect. The President has sole authority to order that action. State governors may order it , for their states, on an individual basis. When I see our flag in that position it causes sadness. I am sad for the loss and sad for the nation. Seeing it as often as I have in recent months is causing concern. Will it fly once again at the top of the pole where it belongs ? All this half staff is beginning to look like a surrender. It is an all too common sight. It is becoming a reflection of America and not for being an empathic nation, but a nation that mourns.
I understand and agree 100% that the flag should be lowered in respect for the fallen. Traditionally that was only done for high ranking dignitaries and other notable persons. In years past if I saw the flag that way I immediately thought someone very important has passed. I didn't wonder who got shot or blew up, or what terrorist action had taken place. Those thoughts were not in the forefront. No, I would think, who died ? Now, in this new America we hear about who was killed, what new tragedy has transpired, followed by the lowering of the flag. Black bands around badges and around their arms, it almost goes unnoticed. That is the way it is becoming with the flag as well. How long will we remain at half staff ?
The flag is the symbol of our nation. That flag should be flying high atop the pole as a reassurance to the people. A rallying call. Is that not the purpose of that Flag ? A banner that waves over the land of the free and the home of the brave. And now what does that banner signify ? I see it in mourning, a display of sorrow and loss, it waves not in triumph, but in memory. It saddens me deeply and I pray for our country.
The pertinent section of the Flag Code says, "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 orders,
or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. "
I include that to explain what the intent was in having this custom. It is not meant to disparage or disapprove of the current use of such a gesture of respect. I do think that overuse of that gesture will cause a trivialization of that tradition. It will lose it significance. And that says a lot when you consider the implication. Have we reached the point, as a nation, that our most reserved and honored gesture of memory and respect is becoming commonplace ? What does that say about the state of the Republic ? What does that say about us ? Are we willing to just shrug our shoulders and say, we lowered the flag for them ? We should be striving to raise that flag once again, to the top of that pole, and have it remain there. We did so at Fort McHenry and again at Mount Suribachi. We are in a war ! We should all be fighting for the restoration of America, not fighting one another.
I understand and agree 100% that the flag should be lowered in respect for the fallen. Traditionally that was only done for high ranking dignitaries and other notable persons. In years past if I saw the flag that way I immediately thought someone very important has passed. I didn't wonder who got shot or blew up, or what terrorist action had taken place. Those thoughts were not in the forefront. No, I would think, who died ? Now, in this new America we hear about who was killed, what new tragedy has transpired, followed by the lowering of the flag. Black bands around badges and around their arms, it almost goes unnoticed. That is the way it is becoming with the flag as well. How long will we remain at half staff ?
The flag is the symbol of our nation. That flag should be flying high atop the pole as a reassurance to the people. A rallying call. Is that not the purpose of that Flag ? A banner that waves over the land of the free and the home of the brave. And now what does that banner signify ? I see it in mourning, a display of sorrow and loss, it waves not in triumph, but in memory. It saddens me deeply and I pray for our country.
The pertinent section of the Flag Code says, "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 orders,
or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. "
I include that to explain what the intent was in having this custom. It is not meant to disparage or disapprove of the current use of such a gesture of respect. I do think that overuse of that gesture will cause a trivialization of that tradition. It will lose it significance. And that says a lot when you consider the implication. Have we reached the point, as a nation, that our most reserved and honored gesture of memory and respect is becoming commonplace ? What does that say about the state of the Republic ? What does that say about us ? Are we willing to just shrug our shoulders and say, we lowered the flag for them ? We should be striving to raise that flag once again, to the top of that pole, and have it remain there. We did so at Fort McHenry and again at Mount Suribachi. We are in a war ! We should all be fighting for the restoration of America, not fighting one another.
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