Editor, The Transcript:
As I was driving around Norman last Sunday, I couldn't help but notice the number of American flags that were not at half-staff. I realize that concern over uniformity is not terribly important, but it brings up a more basic issue. Few in our community are required to display a flag and those that choose to, must accept the responsibility to maintain that flag. If any of our neighbors are unwilling to take it down after dark, make sure that it is not tattered of faded, and place it at half-staff when our President determines that we are in a state of mourning, I would ask that they fly a different flag or none at all.
The most difficult of these responsibilities requires us to stay aware of current events and our national holidays; a modest expectation of our engaged citizenry. The act of placing our flag at half-staff is an important symbol, which loses its effect if it is not done uniformly as a nation. I would like to note that the President is following standard traditions by asking that the flag fly at full staff on Wednesday through his proclamation on Veterans Day issued Oct. 30. This is being contradicted by the governor in his Executive Order 37 from Nov. 3 showing that even the elected leaders are not exempt from the need to know and follow flag traditions.
I hope that our neighbors will consider the responsibilities involved before deciding to continue to maintain a flag at their home or place of business. If anyone has questions about proper care of maintenance, they can contact the local Boy Scout troops or the U.S. Flag Code (Title 4, US Code, Ch.1).
JOSHUA GRUBBS
Norman
