[Jamestown1630]

I don’t recall, when I was growing up, seeing the flag at half-staff for any but statesmen, military heroes, etc. Of course, we didn’t have these kinds of incidents then; but it seems to devalue the gesture to be lowering it for every celebrity death and tragedy that we experience.

-JT

[ConorMacNessa]

Exactly! The first time I recall Flags being lowered for victims was Lockerbie. I'm sure that there are those here to correct me if I am wrong.

Lowering the Flag to half-mast should be reserved for the passing of heroes and for certain National Holidays, like Memorial Day.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."