Flag rules shouldn't be decided by mayors

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April 29, 2009

Anonymous The North Jefferson News Wed Apr 29, 2009, 11:24 AM CDT

Two tragic incidents occurred this week — the death of a Birmingham City Councilwoman and the death of a City of Sumiton employee.

In response, the mayors of both cities ordered the U.S. Flag lowered to half-staff. While I understand the motives in these cases are honorable the simple fact remains, mayors do not have the authority under Title 4 of the U.S. Code to order such an act.

Only the President of the United States, and in some limited cases the governors of states, has this authority and then only in honor of a national or state figure.

Mayors may indeed lower any “city flag” in such a case, but the federal code does not allow such half-staffing of the U.S. flag.

Mayors and other officials should choose a method of honoring those persons in a manner consistent with law and preserve this great tradition and honor of America.

Albert Snow

Dora

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