I was challenged by a friend to write my thoughts on anything each Thursday - I'll try to keep it up. This is something that has been on my mind - so I'm just going to get it out there.
When my prophet, Gordon B Hinckley, died people complained about the flag being to half-staff. Some people complained saying he was not a head of state or a government official. They are right on both points, he was, however, a very important person not only to the community here in UT, but around the world. The humanitarian aid he provided, through the members of the LDS church, reached throughout the world.
Now, I'm not here to argue if it is illegal or legal. I don't know the rules and regulations and laws of the proper use of the US flag. I know my students who put the flag up were honored to be able to put it at half-staff as an honor to President Hinckley. They did so at the order of our governor.
Here's my thought though - yes, I'm getting to a point. Last week, there was a tragedy at a university in another state. Innocent people died and my heart goes out to them. Honestly. The governor in that state ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff. I don't live in that state and maybe there was this discussion, but did people complain that these innocent people were not government officials or heads of state? Did they openly question the legality of it? Or did they understand that it was an honor a way for those who were mourning to understand there were others out there mourning? To know that they were not alone?
This is what I see the flag at half-staff standing for. A recognition that we are all in something together. That we are not alone. I may not have known Pres Hinckley personally, but I drew comfort in knowing that others were recognizing and honoring him. This, I am sure, is the same comfort I'm sure those who were affected by the tragedy at that school feel. I know that not every influential person who dies or tragedy that happens is going to have the honor of having the flag at half-staff. I doubt when I die I will have this honor, but I hope that when we do see the flag at half-staff we stop to think and honor those who have served us in our lives and touched our life for the better.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thoughts For Thursday
Posted by Michelle at 5:49 PM
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4 comments:
I think if the person has some relevance or importance to a large percentage of the state it should be flown at half mast. Not the American flag, the state flag. I think the American flag should be reserves for officials and military personnel
I don't see how it can hurt anyone to fly the flag at half mast for a religious leader. He was someone who was obviously important to a lot of people in the US, so I think it is appropriate to fly the flag at half mast for him.
I agree with Robyn on this one.
I dont know much about the flags of America, but In my opinion, I agree a flag should be able to fly at half mast if a person has some relevance or importance or even in those situations where the state or country is in mourning. Its a way to show solidarity KWIM. There was a big debate about it over here when princess diana died - at first they refused to fly a flag at half mast for her at buckingham palace as she was no longer a member of the royal family. They eventually did however. It shouldnt be so political.
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