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Archived 1/6/2010
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 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.
The governor's press release announcing the directive can be found at www.ny.gov/governor/.
Specifically, the flag was flown at half-staff on Jan. 6, 2010, to honor a Fort Drum soldier who died in Baghdad on January 1.
Army Specialist Brushaun Anderson, a resident of Columbus, Georgia, died of wounds suffered in a non-combat related incident. Specialist Anderson was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
Governor Paterson said that "while Specialist Anderson was not a native New Yorker, we consider all members of the 10th Mountain Division to be honorary sons and daughters of the Empire State. We regret his death, but we honor his service."
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.
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