As I drove along Utah's I-15 today, only 1 out of every 2 business flags were lowered to half-staff. It was bizarre to see the mixed opinions illustrated by the various business owners as they each decided to commemorate or not commemorate Patriot Day and the attacks of September 11, 2001. What ever happened to "Never Forget 9/11?" Is America over it? Who orders U.S. flags to be flown to half-staff anyway? Then who determines when it is appropriate to move on?
At one time, it was customary to lower flags to half-staff to remember the sinking of the Maine in 1898, which signified the start of the Spanish-American war. However, I believe this was a matter of etiquette and not a presidential order. It must but up the individual or business.
Only the President or your state governor can order a flag at half-staff, and that only pertains to government property. There is flag etiquette that citizens are asked to follow, but no private regulation. If you are a private citizen or business owner and want to reflect what is being done by the government on a certain day, here are two resources which you can turn to:
Who has the authority to order an American flag to be flown at half-staff?
- In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.
- This legislation regarding the U.S. flag, which continues to be amended, is referred to as The Flag Code.
- Today, only the President (federal mourning) or a state Governor (local mourning) can order when and for how long the American flag is to be flown at half-staff on government property.
The rules of the flag:
When to fly the flag at half-staff:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th (Unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.) (sunrise to sunset)
- Memorial Day, last Monday in May (sunrise to noon)
- Patriot Day, September 11th (sunrise to sunset)
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7th (sunrise to sunset)
When does an event no longer become an event to remember:
At one time, it was customary to lower flags to half-staff to remember the sinking of the Maine in 1898, which signified the start of the Spanish-American war. However, I believe this was a matter of etiquette and not a presidential order. It must but up the individual or business.
Conclusions:
Only the President or your state governor can order a flag at half-staff, and that only pertains to government property. There is flag etiquette that citizens are asked to follow, but no private regulation. If you are a private citizen or business owner and want to reflect what is being done by the government on a certain day, here are two resources which you can turn to:
Reflections:
- It seems a shame that high schoolers I know don't remember the 2001 attacks at all.
- What is more tragic for me is that the 9/11 Museum still isn't open.
I have often wondered when they get to put the flag back up at full staff.
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