Memorial Day Disrespect

Our fine Highlands County and Sebring governments decided that displaying the U.S. flag correctly upon Memorial Day was too much trouble for them so they only went half way.

The U.S. flag is to be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, and then raised back to full staff. The county's Government Center and the courthouse annex, along with the flag flown on the Sebring Circle, were all left at half-staff throughout the day and night.

On Tuesday morning they were still in this half-staff position. The U.S. Code dictates when and how our flag is flown. In addition, a Presidential Proclamation was released May 22 requesting all governors and appropriate officials, in all levels of the government, to fly the flag as explained above.

Since our local governments are finding all sorts of ways to tax or assess additional fees vice reducing their over inflated budgets it is hard to believe there was no one within these governments to take care of these procedures when paid overtime to do so. However, if asked, someone may have just volunteered, without pay, to take care of the flags.

While I am at it, both the Highlands Today and Tampa Tribune should both take a hit for their lack of concern. Both posted stories and schedules of events for Memorial Day but neither identified how our flag should be displayed to honor those military personnel that Memorial Day is all about. This action assists many part-time patriots to continue to display their flag both improperly and many times to continue until it rots or rips off their flag pole.

Al Bowles
CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Sebring