I read with dismay the Wednesday letter that asserted the governor was wrong to order the lowering of the U.S. flag to honor a Washington solider. I checked the U.S. Code myself and it appears the writer is incorrect.
Title 4, Section 7m of the U.S. Code includes the following:
“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.”
It sounded like the writer was terribly upset at the alleged dishonor. I wonder if he will feel better knowing that the governor’s actions are a permitted means of honoring fallen Armed Forces members from Washington state.
Allen Snook
Snohomish
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