Millville Displays Ignorance

4 June 2009 @ 20:56 | Posted in » New Jersey, Politics

Yesterday Emil Van Hook died. Van Hook was a local who served Millville as mayor, a commissioner, and a school board member. Van Hook left his mark on the city. Political supporters and opponents have remarked about his dedication to the city.

In what I presume is supposed to be a gesture of respect, the City of Millville displayed the American flag flown at half-staff to honor Van Hook.

An American flag is seen at half-staff in honor of the late Emil Van Hook at Millville City Hall on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, the ignorance of this action is inappropriate.

The American flag is not a symbol for local politicians who die, rather, it is a symbol of our great nation. As such, there are protocols as to how the flag is supposed to be flown and when it is to be done so at half-staff.

By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia.

There is no penalty for what Millville did other than display ignorance. The lack of consequence is such that it will be done again and again as I have noted school districts, municipalities, etc. have been doing for years. Heck, I even created a scavenger hunt a few years ago for others to document improper flag displays.

Van Hook was a significant figure in Millville’s recent history. He deserves our respect and his family our condolences. Let’s not trample on the American flag whilst our grieving.