Flag honor overused

Regarding the letter advising your readers about the upcoming Flag Day and the U.S. Flag Code, I, too, have a concern about the improper flying of the U.S. flag.

For some reason it has become commonplace to fly the flag at half-staff upon the deaths of students who are the victims of violence, law enforcement officers who are covered under Peace Officers Memorial Day and numerous other occasions not covered by the U.S. Flag Code. Section 7, paragraph (M) is very specific about when and for whom flying the flag at half-staff is authorized.

For me, flying the flag at half-staff for those not mentioned in the code cheapens the honor of those for whom the highest recognition is intended. As a person who for over 30 years raised and lowered the most visible flag in the Spokane area, the one flying above the Spokane County Courthouse, and as a person who many times was on the losing end when I suggested to higher powers the flag should not be flying at half-staff on certain occasions, I suggest all who fly flags read and follow the U.S. Flag Code.

Terry A. Hontz

Spokane