Your Thoughts

I noticed today that a lot of flags are flying half mast which I assume is for the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. I guess I don't really know much about this tribute, but I thought it was reserved for members of the government, people in positions of leadership, and war heroes. I guess I need to do some research.

Regardless, I was curious to get your thoughts or opinions on whether or not the flags should fly half mast for the VT victims. I'm not sure what I think, but I would like to hear from others.

Wikipedia says flying the flag half mast is a signal for mourning. And more importantly, here's what I found:


From www.whitehouse.gov on 4/17/2007

USA flags should be flown at half staff through sunset on the 4/22/07

Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy at Virginia Tech

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of AmericaWhite House News Our Nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones at Virginia Tech. We hold the victims in our hearts. We lift them up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering.

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Monday, April 16, 2007, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Sunday, April 22, 2007. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH
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Other Rules for Flying Flags at Half Mast:

Only the President and state Governors can decide when and how long the flag should be flown at half-staff.

Thirty days after the death of a president or former president

Ten days after the death of a vice president, the chief of justice or a retired chief of justice or the speaker of the house of representatives.

Until the burial of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory, or possession.

On the day of and the day after the death of a member of Congress.

On Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor all the people who have died while serving the United States & originally called Decoration Day, the flag is flown at half-Staff until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown.


Well, I suppose I just learned something new. Any thoughts?