USING THE FLAG AS POLITICAL RHETORIC
When to fly the flag at half-staff
The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.
In most cases, an American flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances:
- The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder
- A national tragedy
- Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance
On September 1, 2024, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) backed Democratic candidate for the NY-16 Congressional seat, issued the following statement:
“Westchester County Executive George Latimer has ordered flags at County-owned facilities to fly at half-staff to honor the American hostages who were brutally kidnapped and murdered by Hamas.
“Westchester County stands united against terrorism and in solidarity with the Jewish community.”
It should be noted as of this writing neither President Biden nor any U.S. Governor has ordered the flag to fly at half-staff in recognition of the recent death of the Israeli-American hostage from California held by Hamas in Gaza.
This is the second time in connection with the Israel/Hamas war and the seventh time during his seven-year tenure as County Executive that Latimer has ordered the American flag to be flown at half-staff on Westchester County property.
The prior six times are as follows:
- In honor of the victims murdered in Pittsburgh and Kentucky – Oct 29, 2018
- In recognition of the death of former County Legislator and former County Clerk Leno Spano– Feb. 11, 2019
- In honor of Victims Of El Paso And Dayton Shootings – Aug. 4, 2019
- In honor of Westchester Residents Who Have Died From COVID-19 -April 4, 2020
- In honor of the 2000 Westchester Residents Who Have Died From COVID-19– March 2, 2021
- In solidarity and remembrance with the Americans who lost their lives in the recent attacks in Israel – October 9, 2023
The American Legion affirms that only the President of the United States or the Governor should order the flag to be flown at half-staff, stating that those individuals and agencies that usurp authority are “quickly eroding the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.”
How about flying the flag at half staff for the 40,000 Palestinians who have died in part as the result of our armaments??
Thanks for calling him out!