Dear Editor,
Memorial Day is one of several days of observance in which lowering our nation’s flag to half-staff is the customary means of honoring those for whom the day is intended. Initially known as Declaration Day, Congress changed the name in 1971 to Memorial Day, representing the only national holiday designated to honor our nation’s war dead.
As my wife and I came into Eatonton on Monday – Memorial Day – for the Veteran’s Park ceremony (unfortunately canceled due to the threat of bad weather), we saw the flag at the hospital flying at half-staff, the proper display of our nation’s colors. However, the flags were at full staff when passing the post office, Putnam County’s only federal building. To the county’s credit, the flag on the courthouse lawn was also properly displayed.
As we left town after talking to friends who had come for the ceremony, I stopped at the post office and lowered their flags—flags that were torn, and the halyards (ropes) for these flags were rotting and pieced together. They should be ashamed.
We continued on Hwy. 44 to Lake Oconee. Just past the hospital is a church on the left. Flag at full staff. Getting to the Hwy. 44 and Old Phoenix Road intersection, the first thing we see is the large flag on the bank out there, with a very faded flag at full staff.
As a veteran, I am dumbfounded that the citizenry is so oblivious to what the holiday/day of observance is all about. It is an honor and privilege to show respect for our nation’s colors, especially on Memorial Day. This is the single day to remember nearly 1.4 million men and women who have offered their lives in defense of our nation and for the freedoms we enjoy today.
I ask that everyone who displays our flag be mindful of the etiquette and honor it deserves. I don’t think that is too much to ask.