When should the flag be at half-staff?

Category: 
Half-staff
Question: 
When should the flag be at half-staff?
Answer: 

(a) The flag is half-staffed on Memorial Day, from sunrise until noon; it is displayed at full-staff from noon until sunset.

(b) By order of the President of the United States, or by the Governor of any State, territory or possession. On occasion, heads of several departments and agencies of the U.S. Government may direct the flag to half-staff if deemed proper to do so.

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adolfoevasquez

January 15, 2011 - 4:51pm

Though I am not upset about the rules governing the US flag being flown at half staff, I am concerned about how often and for what occasions this order is used. At the state level, I have no concern when one of our soldiers is KIA... but when it is ordered for a policeman or other law enforcement personnel killed int he line of duty...it detracts from the real purpose of this National Honor. Even if the law enforcement official is a veteran... if it is going to be ordered for them "as a veteran"...then why not every veteran?

Also, when the order is flown for a dignitary or public official who is not a US Legislator, I have concerens about that too.

If this was once in a while, no issue...but more and more it is becoming a "routine" practice and the Honor is being lost.

I recognize that Governors have the authority to give this order...but there should be some national clearing house to insure that it does not become the "Governor's" other state flag.

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