Flag-lowering policy questioned
Flag-lowering policy questioned
SPRINGFIELD -- Is flying the U.S. flag at half-staff a way of honoring those killed in Iraq or a way of protesting an unpopular war?
That's the question Illinois lawmakers are pondering.
For most of the United States' history, flying the flag at half-staff has been way of honoring dignitaries who have died but not individual servicemen and women killed in combat.
But governors in some states, including Illinois, have ordered flags to be lowered to honor state residents killed overseas. And now the Illinois Legislature is considering a measure to mandate that this always be the case.
But that move doesn't sit well with some.
Springfield resident Bob Chestnut, a veteran who served in Korea and a member of the Illinois Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, said the practice does not serve any social or patriotic purpose.
Seeing the flag at half-staff reminds people of the death toll and creates a lot of emotional instability that undermines the war effort, Chestnut said.
"Nobody wants to lose anyone, but that's the brutal nature of war," Chestnut said.
Sen. Dan Kotowski, D-Mount Prospect, is the bill's sponsor in the Senate, where it has yet to be considered. The House approved the measure unanimously.
"I think it reminds people of the tremendous amount of heroism and service that goes into being in Iraq or Afghanistan and serving our country," Kotowski said.
But others contend it is not only a tribute to those who have died, but also a protest of an unjustified war.
Among them is Mel Lipman, president of the American Humanist Association, an organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The liberal group has asked Americans to fly U.S. flags at half-staff until the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan end.
"This will honor our fallen troops and remind us of the human cost of war," Lipman said. "It will be an ever-present stimulus to help people remember those who have died."
But Springfield resident Margie Palmatier, who lost her only son in Iraq two years ago, sees it more as a way of honoring troops than protesting their mission.
"I think it's necessary," Palmatier said. "We can't ever forget the cost of this service."
Sen. Gary Dahl, R-Granville, said if this bill passes the public needs to be educated about why flags are flown at half-staff.
Others say the legislation would violate the U.S. Flag Code, which says governors may honor state "officials" after they die by lowering the flag. Opponents say it's inappropriate for governors to label soldiers as officials.
Rep. Mike Bost, R-Carbondale, a former Marine whose son currently is serving in Iraq, can't believe people would criticize this practice.
And Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, agreed.
"These people are making the ultimate sacrifice and I think that's the least we can do for them," he said. "We should fly it for everybody who would give up their life rather than just famous people."
SPRINGFIELD -- Is flying the U.S. flag at half-staff a way of honoring those killed in Iraq or a way of protesting an unpopular war?
That's the question Illinois lawmakers are pondering.
For most of the United States' history, flying the flag at half-staff has been way of honoring dignitaries who have died but not individual servicemen and women killed in combat.
But governors in some states, including Illinois, have ordered flags to be lowered to honor state residents killed overseas. And now the Illinois Legislature is considering a measure to mandate that this always be the case.
But that move doesn't sit well with some.
Springfield resident Bob Chestnut, a veteran who served in Korea and a member of the Illinois Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, said the practice does not serve any social or patriotic purpose.
Seeing the flag at half-staff reminds people of the death toll and creates a lot of emotional instability that undermines the war effort, Chestnut said.
"Nobody wants to lose anyone, but that's the brutal nature of war," Chestnut said.
Sen. Dan Kotowski, D-Mount Prospect, is the bill's sponsor in the Senate, where it has yet to be considered. The House approved the measure unanimously.
"I think it reminds people of the tremendous amount of heroism and service that goes into being in Iraq or Afghanistan and serving our country," Kotowski said.
But others contend it is not only a tribute to those who have died, but also a protest of an unjustified war.
Among them is Mel Lipman, president of the American Humanist Association, an organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The liberal group has asked Americans to fly U.S. flags at half-staff until the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan end.
"This will honor our fallen troops and remind us of the human cost of war," Lipman said. "It will be an ever-present stimulus to help people remember those who have died."
But Springfield resident Margie Palmatier, who lost her only son in Iraq two years ago, sees it more as a way of honoring troops than protesting their mission.
"I think it's necessary," Palmatier said. "We can't ever forget the cost of this service."
Sen. Gary Dahl, R-Granville, said if this bill passes the public needs to be educated about why flags are flown at half-staff.
Others say the legislation would violate the U.S. Flag Code, which says governors may honor state "officials" after they die by lowering the flag. Opponents say it's inappropriate for governors to label soldiers as officials.
Rep. Mike Bost, R-Carbondale, a former Marine whose son currently is serving in Iraq, can't believe people would criticize this practice.
And Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, agreed.
"These people are making the ultimate sacrifice and I think that's the least we can do for them," he said. "We should fly it for everybody who would give up their life rather than just famous people."
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What with the immigration, etc. we should probably be flying it upside down! 0 -
i pondered this too.
i feel one war death doesnt merit a 1/2 staff.
i mean, no sooner is one finished, then another begins, and the flag ends up at 1/2 staff all the time.
seriously, what did our early ww2 generation do when 2000 dead were shipped home every WEEK?
i feel the 1/2 staff mourning is having a negative effect and that the practice should be stopped.
i feel reserving 1/2 staff for MAJOR war battles, disasters, or, HUGE LOSSES should be a 1/2 staff days.
besides....isnt this what MEMORIAL DAY is for? one day, all losses are honored, end of story, get on with life as proud americans, instead of whining every day in day out.0 -
on the other hand more should be raised and displayed daily, mine flies 365, and i'm proud to show it. many who did following 911 have stopped and the number that do is still falling. shame on them. stand up an show you are still proud to live in the best country in the world, and support our troops!!!!. 0 -
There is no punitive enforcement of the U. S. Flag Code, so they can do whatever they think is right. It wouldn't cost them any extra to be honest about it. 0
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