Who can order a half staffing?
Only the President and state Governors can decide when and how long the American flag should be flown at half-staff.

What about half staff to honor other citizens?
Only the president of the United States or the governor of the state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure.

In additional to the traditional half-staff salutes when proclaimed by the President, the Flag Code mentions the use of our Flag for honoring citizens who have died, especially government officials and prominent citizens. However, the Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether they belong to an organization or not, whether they are recognized very locally or regionally. Examples of deceased citizens that might be honored with by lowering the Flag to half-staff include local religious leaders, youth leaders, honored teachers or sports coaches, local politicians, or a local hero. There need be no authorization from the government for the private sector (non-government) to use the Flag to honor any citizen.

It is not uncommon for politicians, media figures and the general public to claim – without question – that those serving in the armed forces are heroes. Military service is unique, and the challenges faced by service members are unlike those of other professions. Violent death is a real possibility while wearing a service uniform. But does this make everyone who served a hero?

Like many veterans, I’ve been called a hero for my military service. As I see it, I didn’t accomplish anything extraordinary during my time in the Army or my two tours in Iraq. I did my job. I had good days and I had bad days. Yes, on really bad days things were nasty and might involve multiple fiery explosions or being under severely oppressive heat for hours, wearing a full kit. Despite these hardships, I tried, generally, to do as good a job as I could while serving, and I left military service honorably. Even though I didn’t participate in any solitary acts of heroism, like jumping on a grenade or being the guy who got Osama bin Laden, there are many who would say I am a hero for doing what others would not while putting myself at extreme risk.

I understand the sentiment, and I trust that there are those who truly believe that all service members are heroes, simply for signing up. But I can’t help think that for some, “hero” is a throw-away word, designed to demonstrate a “support the troops” position or guarantee applause at an event.

*snip*

I don’t feel comfortable being called a hero. In fact, my brow furrows and my mind sharpens when I hear it. Words matter, and “hero” is so loaded and used so frequently that it stands to lose its meaning altogether. Maybe this is just New York cynicism, but I know I’m not the only veteran who feels skeptical when he or she is placed in the hero bin along with every other service member from the past 10 years. I admire the fact that men and women with whom I served chose a dangerous profession for their country – often making the decision after 9/11. But, these are soldiers. Soldiers are human beings. There are good ones and bad ones. A few do amazing, heroic things. The rest do their jobs – incredible, unique jobs – but jobs, nonetheless. Some perform happily, others grudgingly. And I argue that most feel embarrassed when lauded as heroes.

This sentiment is especially true, considering there are real heroes out there. Like Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman to receive the Silver Star since World War II for her role in crushing an enemy ambush on a supply convoy near Baghdad, helping to kill or capture an enemy force of 30 insurgents. And Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta, whose actions in Afghanistan in 2007 earned him the Medal of Honor, becoming the first living recipient of the award for this generation of veterans. He will soon be joined by Sgt. First Class Leroy Petry, who, after being shot through both of his legs, lost his hand in an attempt to throw back an enemy grenade in Afghanistan in 2008. His selfless action prevented his fellow Rangers from being wounded or killed.

Men and women like these are my heroes. To call everyone who puts on a uniform a hero cheapens these extraordinary actions. My fear is that being called a hero has become the new “thank you for your service.” That line, also awkwardly received by veterans everywhere, at least makes sense. Our nation has an all-volunteer military and military service can be tough, especially during war, so a thank you is appropriate and in good order.

Continued...