An AP survey finds that flags were lowered somewhere in the country almost everyday in 2015. A local veteran who knows the ins and outs of the national flag code, says technically only the president is able to call for flags to be flown at half-staff. He says the code has been revised here and there, but it shouldn't be overdone or else it could lose its significance. He also tells us that a governor or mayor cannot officially order to have flags lowered according to the code, but he understands why it would be done for the loss of a local public figure.
"A local dignitary that's given a lot to our community maybe, as a sign of respect we might drop our flags to half staff, but it's just one of those the flag code is end all rules on what to do with a flag. And of course the flag code says only the president can do it, but we certainly would honor a local person with a sign of respect," said flag expert, Michael Ayers.
We also asked Ayers about disposing of flags. He says even if you got a small flag from fireworks or a parade, it's disrespectful to throw them away.
"A flag like this should never be thrown in the trash. It should be dropped off at maybe the American Legion or one of the places that will dispose of a flag properly. Our boy scout troop does that. We dispose flags in a ceremony," Ayers said.
Ayers says it's also a myth that a flag needs to be destroyed if it touches the ground. Just pick it back up and have it cleaned if necessary.
