The answers you're looking for
Archived 1/6/2010
Revised 10/5/2011
When we see the flag at half-staff, is there a place we can find out why?
Like all schools and state offices, HFM BOCES respects the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo, who directs flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of individual New York State servicemen and women who are killed in action around the world.
The governor's press release announcing the directive can be found at www.ny.gov/governor/.
Specifically, the flag was flown at half-staff today, Oct. 5, 2011, to honor a Fort Drum soldier who died in in Germany on Sept. 28 from wounds suffered in Afghanistan.
First Sergeant Billy J. Siercks was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, based at Fort Drum. First Sergeant Siercks was from Velda Village, Missouri.
"I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of First Sergeant Siercks," Governor Cuomo said. "I join with all New Yorkers in honoring the service of this Fort Drum soldier. We will mourn his loss."
Governor Cuomo has directed that the flags on all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of and in tribute to our state's service members and those stationed in New York who are killed in action or die in a combat zone.
Flying the American flag at half-staff is an honor that can only be ordered by the governor of a state or the president of the United States.
There are specific dates — Memorial Day (sunrise to noon), Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7), Patriots Day (Sept. 11), and Peace Officers' Memorial Day (May 15) — when the flag is required to be flown at half-staff.
Additionally, there are rules governing when and how long the flag should be lowered to half-staff, such as after the death of a president or former president, vice presidents, members of Congress and the Supreme Court, and state governors.
A complete explanation of flag etiquette can be found at www.usflag.org.
Archived 10/20/2009
Why is the flag at BOCES at half staff so often?
Like all schools and state offices, HFM BOCES respects the request of Governor David Paterson, who directs flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of individual New York State servicemen and women who are killed in action around the world.
Only the President of the United States or a state’s governor may direct the flag to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of current or former U.S. government officials, notable citizens or foreign dignitaries.
Many graduates of HFM BOCES pursue careers in the military, and it is appropriate to remember the sacrifice of young men and women that, in the words of the governor, “served our country with respect, dignity and honor. We are forever grateful for their service.
[Back]
