Editor, The Era-Leader:
How do you feel when you see disrespect for our country's flag?
I know how I feel. Sadness and anger at those who do such things.
My father was a World War II veteran of the US Navy. He enlisted when he was just months after turning eighteen. He was stationed on an escort carrier in the Pacific theater. He was at Iwo Jima, Tarawa, Okinawa and his ship was in the harbor at the signing of the surrender.
He left home with no idea of where he was going or if he would come home. He did as thousands did and served his country under that flag.
So to those who disrespect our flag, in my opinion, disrespect those millions who served and the thousands that died.
Mayor Route decided to fly our nation's flag at half-staff in regard to a notable citizen of our community. This citizen recently passed away. He was a good and civic-minded individual and did much for the betterment of our community. He was an honorable man and deserved the respect he had earned through his life.
However, Mayor Route was incorrect in his decision to fly the flag at half-staff.
He had no authority to do so. Only the president of the United States, state governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia, can order flags to half-staff. This is done by special proclamation or executive order.
Although city mayors and other officials sometimes order flags to half-staff, this is a violation of the US Code, but there is no penalty for doing so.
Now some of you may think that I am being picky over this.
“What's the big deal?”, you may say.
Well, to those of us who grew up pledging our allegiance and standing at attention with our hands over our hearts during the pledge and when the national anthem is played, we find it disrespectful. My father was buried under that flag. I have his flag, folded appropriately with honor and respect by the US Navy's honor guard at his funeral, in my home. He earned the right to be buried under that flag.
The flag is not some sort of political trinket that is given out just anywhere.
The individuals and agencies that usurp authority and display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions quickly erode the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.
Respect for traditions and respect for the symbols of our nation and those who served and are serving now, need to be upheld.
Ben M Sarro
Franklinton
(Editor’s note: In fairness to the mayor of Franklinton, we were also unaware of the exact rules for flying the flag at half-staff.
We have seen the flag at half-staff at other government buildings to honor a recently-deceased person. Those officials who ordered the flag at half-staff were probably also unaware of the precise rules.
Kudos to Mr. Sarro for bringing this to the attention of our readers. The rule actually makes a lot of sense. If anyone can fly the flag at half-staff to honor anyone, then the distinction of that honor will eventually be watered down and made less significant.
Half-staff or not, we totally agree that respect for the flag is eroding, and that’s sad. All of us need to do a better job of becoming aware of what true respect to the flag really means, and why it’s important.)
