I write to take issue with the comment from Robert Horton on flying our flag at half-staff.

We have a FLAG CODE in this country which should be honored and obeyed. It is found in detail in the United States Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 700 and Title 36, Chapter 3.

A much easier way to find the Code is a simple search on the internet for Flag Code.

I find absolutely nothing in the Code which authorizes the flag to be lowered for the young lady, irrespective of whether or not she had military service. Public opinion on the subject is irrelevant. We have a Law.

I'm no lawyer, just an old guy born in Coburg, and greatly saddened by the lack of knowledge prevalent in today's society.

With respect,
Reade Heskamp

"This report presents, verbatim, the United States 'Flag Code' as found in Title 4 of the United States Code and the section of Title 36 which designates the Star-Spangled Banner as the national anthem and provides instructions on how to display the flag during its rendition. The 'Flag Code' includes instruction and rules on such topics as the pledge of allegiance, display and use of the flag by civilians, time and occasions for display, position and manner of display, and how to show respect for the flag. The 'Code' also grants to the President the authority to modify the rules governing the flag.

The report also addresses several of the frequently asked questions concerning the flag. The subject matter of these questions includes the pledge of allegiance and the court decisions concerning it, the nature of the codifications of customs concerning the flag in the 'Flag Code,' display of the flag 24 hours a day, flying the flag in bad weather, flying the flag at half-staff, ornaments on the flag, destruction of worn flags, display of the U.S. flag with flags of other nations or of States, commercial use of the flag, size and proportion of the flag, and restrictions upon display of the flag by real estate associations."

Therefore, actions not specifically included in the Code may be deemed acceptable as long as proper respect is shown.

Again, the provisions of the Flag Code on flying the flag at half-staff are, like all the Code's provisions, a guide only. They do not apply, as a matter of law, to the display of the flag at half-staff by private individuals and organizations. No federal restrictions or court decisions are known that limit such an individual's lowering his own flag or that make such display alone a form of desecration.

First, I applaud Adair County's Judge Executive for wanting to do something to honor Hillary Hadley - her intentions were well meant. And Hillary Hadley certainly was deserving of being recognized in this special way.

Unfortunately, etiquette governing the display and use of the United States Flag allow only the President of the United States or the governor of one of the 50 states to bestow this honor. The rules state that it may be lowered to half-staff to honor prominent individuals, government leaders, like members of congress, dignitaries, veterans, etc. These days, many so-called leaders and politicians are not deserving of this honor, but will probably receive it anyway. Just doesn't seem "fair", does it?

I'm going to throw out an idea for debate. Why can't Adair County and the City of Columbia have their own flag designed? It could be flown prominently in front of the new justice center....on the square and at other sites around town and the county....then when the need arises to appropriately honor a deserving individual in our community, our local leaders can make the decision to fly this flag at half-staff.

All of us will agree that every life is precious...and should be honored. However, there are times when a more public display honoring a person's life is warranted. The tragic loss of Hillary Hadley was one of those times. --Beverly Merritt, Atlanta, GA