Quote:
Originally Posted by blueash
Please correct me if I am wrong. My understanding is that the edict to lower the flag is specific to governmental organizations. President Obama was specific in the listing of facilities to which his order applied. Presidential Proclamation -- Honoring the Victims of the Attack in Orlando, Florida | whitehouse.gov
Similarly a governor can order state facilities to comply. Private citizens are not required to follow although many will out of respect for the event which occurred. However, my point is that if you fly your flag in a normal manner, you are not in violation of any regulation. So if you wish to display a flag and you cannot lower it, fly away. half or full staff. |
You are not wrong. The President can only control flags on federal property and a Governor can only control flags on state property. However, depending on who actually writes the Presidential proclamation, it frequently contains a
request that all homeowners and businesses also fly their flag at half-staff.
Regarding penalties, there are no penalties for any violation of flag etiquette including desecrating it.
Hardly a day goes by that one cannot see an example on someone not conforming to proper flag etiquette. Some violations have become so common that people do not realize that they are violating the code.
If you truly cannot lower your flag to half-staff, then fly it at full staff. However, if your flag is wall mounted, you can purchase a new wall mount, or get a black ribbon. Many people with telescoping flag poles do not realize that they can change their flag position by lowering the pole and changing where the flag is attached.