Another way to remember the fallen

The flags at Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), where I work, have been flown at half staff this week. I inquired as to the reason and learned several new things.

• First, LACOE will fly the flags at half staff only by order of the governor of California.
• Second, this occasion of flying the flags at half staff originated from a presidential proclamation in honor of the shooting victims in Wisconsin. 
• Third, the website halfstaff.org has the information regarding any national or state occasion of flying the flags at half staff.
• Fourth, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-staff has a great article detailing the history, current usage, proper procedures and symbolism of flying flags at half staff.

Yesterday I knew the general principle of flying a flag at half staff, but today I know why, and where to find to whom to pay honor.

by guest blogger Steve Mansell