Maybe I'm wrong but I'd like some opinions...

[janswizard]

....I noticed this week that the flag at the White House, Capital and other government buildings are flying at full staff. I realize we are not in a "declared" war but with all the US service men and women being killed in Iraq, would it not be respectful to be flying the flag at half mast? I'm not up on the rules for flying the flag but it just seems to be that out of respect for them, our government should be acknowledging their sacrifice in some way. Opinions or comments?

[mf_dolphin]

Here's what I found on your question according to Title 4 Chapter 1

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. 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 official 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. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. As used in this subsection -

the term "half-staff" means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff;

the term "executive or military department" means any agency listed under sections 101 and 102 of title 5, United States Code; and

the term "Member of Congress" means a Senator, a Representative, a Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.

While I agree with your sentimate on the subject we are just following the law

[therock1811]

The war is a darn good reason to fly at 1/2 mast...that and Veteran's day today...

[janswizard]

Thanks, Marshall, for clearing that up for me. However, I think they should look into changing those rules because during time of war when men and women are sacrificing their lives, that flag is a huge symbol. I know this isn't a declared war but everytime I hear George Bush speak, he talks about the "war on terror" - our servicepeople should be given the same dignity as public figures.
Just my opinion!

[GalvestonDuck]

I must admit, seeing a flag flying at half-mast as a show of respect and honor for those who died is very touching. But we can't fly it that way all thoughout the war for every servicemember who dies. For one, like SF posted, it's not in the flag etiquette rules to do it that way. But for another, I think it serves more to fly it high and proud and so that it forever may wave as a symbol of our freedom.

Bugs the crap outta me when I see someone flying one at half-staff when it's not for a national thing.

[GalvestonDuck]

...during time of war when men and women are sacrificing their lives, that flag is a huge symbol.

And Francis Scott Key may have not been able to see that symbol had it only been flying at half-mast.

[mf_dolphin]

As a former serviceman I can tell you I love seeing the flag flying in all it's glory. In my active duty days it was my way of knowing we were doing our job! I salute those who came before me and those that continue the task today!

[GalvestonDuck]

The war is a darn good reason to fly at 1/2 mast...that and Veteran's day today...

This only lists Memorial Day as a day to fly them at half-staff. But I've seen it also flown at half-staff on Dec 7 and, of course now, 9/11. Besides, Veteran's Day is for those who lived and came back as well as for those who died or never came home.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on

New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States
the birthdays of States (date of admission)
and on State holidays.

[Rainband]

We fly ours everyday

[Pburgh]

I fly mine everyday and shine a light on it at night. It's my way showing honor and respect to the living and dead who have fought for my freedom.