[the OlLine Rebel]

What is the date on this?

I have had this “disagreement” before, and posters linked NEWer versions of the Code that are very long-winded and indicate how the Pres can declare half-staff for just about anything.

I was appalled, because that is not the way I remember it (I still have a US Flag book from the ‘80s as I was always patriotic, and remember getting it on family vacation in VA).

Leads to too much prostration. Bad image to give others.

It’s not just Uhbama; it’s been rampant since 9/11.

[philman_36]

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
7	36:175.	June 22, 1942, ch. 435, §3, 56 Stat. 378; Dec. 22, 1942, ch. 806, §3, 56 Stat. 1075; July 9, 1953, ch. 183, 67 Stat. 142; July 7, 1976, Pub. L. 94–344, (6)–(11), 90 Stat. 811; Sept. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXII, §320922(b), 108 Stat. 2131.

... posters linked NEWer versions of the Code
Do you have the links still?

[philman_36]

The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions Updated April 14, 2008 Presidents also have ordered the flag to be flown at half-staff on the death of leading citizens, not covered by law, as a mark of official tribute to their service to the United States. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among those who have been so honored.
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 privat e individuals and organizations. No federal restrictions or court decisions are known th at limit such an individual’s lowering his own flag or that make such disp lay alone a form of desecration.

What service did they do? None that I can tell. And they were not leading citizens.

[philman_36]

I see what you're talking about now... §10. Modification of rules and customs by President
Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the flag of the United States of America, set forth herein, may be altered, modified, or repealed, or additional rules with respect thereto may be prescribed, by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, whenever he deems it to be appropriate or desirable; and any such alteration or additional rule shall be set forth in a proclamation.
(Added Pub. L. 105–225, §2(a), Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1498.)

A proclamation has to be written. A verbal order isn't sufficient.