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I am sure by now, alot of you are aware of the controversy over the Governor of New Jersey ordering that flags in New Jersey be flown at half staff in honor of Whiteney Houston today.
Has this man lost his mind??? Did he ever serve in the United States Military? As the widow of a United States Navy veteran, I am flabergasted that this man would even consider such a thing - much less actually order it.
Not to take anything away from the talent, fame, etc. of Whitney Houston - but she was NOT a veteran of our United States military. I cannot see how NOT flying the flag at half staff - an honor traditionally reserved for military - in any way dishonors Ms. Houston.
I can say with certainty that I WOULD NOT fly a flag at half mast today in order to honor her. Had she died on a battlefield in a military uniform fighting to defend my country and my freedoms, it might be different. But facts are facts - she was not.
What do you think?? I would like to hear from some people on this - so please take time to post your opinion.
As a veteran myself, I must say that I agree with your post. It would appear that here lately this "honor" like many others has been taken for granted by the civilian community without regard to its actual symbolism.
ReplyDeleteWhile Ms Houston was a legend, she in no way qualifies for such an honor reserved for Federal and governmental officials and active duty military who give their life for our freedom. I do not wish to diminish Ms Houston's life in anyway, just stating the facts. The following will explain my point on this.
Pursuit of Section 7m of the Flag Code 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, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia
In addition to the Flag Code, Proclamation 3044 Section 5 states, "The heads of the several departments and agencies of the [federal] Government may direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on buildings, grounds, or naval vessels under their jurisdiction on occasions other than those specified herein which they consider proper, and that suitable military honors be rendered as appropriate."
Unfortunately for the Gov. of New Jersey and for the fans of Ms Houston, I do not see where she meets any of the requirements for this honor. Besides political gain, all that the governor accomplished was, furthering the degradation of honor for our fallen heroes.
I think this is a very good point. We have veterans dying evey day from service-connected diseases and disabilities. The flag is not flown at half-staff for those men who lost their lives, while not in combat, but still in reality, due to their service in fighting for our freedoms.
DeleteDitto, They put far too much "glory" on the supposed super stars. She was just a girl that had some luck making money and then blew it on drugs and alcohol. A misdirected person.
ReplyDeleteYes, a misdirected person. If we flew the flag at half-staff for every misdirected person who dies, it would never be fully raised.
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