And raised the question, “When should I lower my flag, if ever, in remembrance of something in the past?” In my situation above, by unfavorable coincidence, I just happened to go to the post office on days when the flag was at half-mast.īut the idea of the flag at half-mast and its purpose got me thinking about the allegorical significance of traditions of remembrance, in my own life and in general. If we, as a nation, reach a point where the flag is normally flown at half-mast, or is often flown at half-mast for frivolous reasons, within the context of the observer, then the reasonable, unknowing observer would probably not take the time to seek more information and discover information that could be important to them and the community.īut I think we are far from that point. Given that, you sought more information, therefore promoting the maintenance of community development. Whether intended or unintended, the flag lowered to half-mast alerted you and your friends to an unknown atrocity. Yes, I think that raises an important purpose. So, I ask, when we celebrate tradition, especially in mourning, what purpose does it serve? And is that purpose legitimate enough to lower our flag to half-mast? custom, not in respect for the deceased but for the decedent’s loved ones, to aid in their healing process. I think the greater question that should be asked is that for what purpose do we recognize and pay tribute? It is inferred at a funeral that guests come dressed in black, as is U.S. What should be given priority? The person involved in the event? The event? The celebrant’s relationship to the person and/or the event? What about those who do not wish to celebrate an event but society or authority recognizes and acts upon that recognition? What if we, as a nation, celebrated our independence on what would typically be considered Good Friday for Christians? What is a Christian wishing to celebrate both events do? Is it a day of reflection and mourning or is it a day of reflection and rejoicing? But the nation does not hold traditions to mourn the loss, instead we celebrate the independence of the United States. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the fourth of July, 1862, within hours of each other. The lackluster flag raises the question: When should we stop traditions of remembrance – in mourning or in celebration? It is usually sunk, hanging at half-mast frequently for reasons I do not know. ![]() To my disappointment, the flag rarely flies high at its respective post. flag is flying high at the top of the pole or at half mast. sanctioned office, I make a habit to see if the U.S. While I am visiting the post office or any U.S. The issue I am going to write about is something I have thought about for a couple years and something that I have thought about in more depth in the last few days. It is simply a matter of coincidence that I am writing this on September 11th.
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