I received the following email from a veteran who I regard as a true patriot and retired Marine. He and his brothers were raised in a Rockland County, NY orphange, and all five served in the armed forces. One, never returned. Gerry informed me that only the President of the U.S. has the authority to proclaim when the flag is to be flown at half mast. The following link states: "By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day...that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day." http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/proclamations/ Thank you Gerry for sharing this. Bless you Gerry, those who stand up for America, and all who believe that there are better days for our citizens and country. Barb North of New York City ================= Subj:Re: IMPORTANT 9/11 question. > > Date:9/11/2008 1:08:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time > From: gfmerna_usmc@msn.com To:MizScarlettNY@aol.com> > > Barb: > > Only the President can issue “Proclamations” re flying the flag at Half > Staff and I cannot find any for this year’s 9/11. That doesn’t mean there isn’t > one. Here are his proclamations as of 9/8 for this year, and the past couple > of years since 9/11/01: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/proclamations/ > > Although opinions differ as to what to do (or keep doing) in the aftermath > of 9/11, most of us have a certain pride in calling ourselves Americans. I > fully intend to show my pride by flying the stars and stripes today, 9/11. > Unfortunately, because my flag pole on the porch is so small if I put it at > half-mast it would look like the devil, else I’d put it at half-mast. > > For all you ever wanted to know about the Flag, go here: > http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html > > For the United States Flag Code, go here: > http://www.ushistoryorg/betsy/flagcode.htm > > Hope this is of some help. > > Jerry > > PS: Normally I fly both the American and Marine Corps colors EVERY DAY! > ************** Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus > the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. > (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)