Respect the flag and honor the fallen

As I drive up and down the Grand Strand, I'm proud to notice American flags proudly flying in front of businesses at full staff. During the past year, terrible, senseless tragedies have happened across our country. On these occasions and others, the president has issued executive orders directing that all public buildings fly our flag at half mast.

With the flag also comes responsibility. But most of those flying the flag, however, are ignorant of these orders and that responsibility. On Sunday, Sept. 11, I stopped at three businesses on my way to the store and kindly reminded them that on the memorial of that awful day, the flag should be flown at half staff.

Two politely listened and the third, realizing her mistake, immediately ran out to lower it. On my way back, the first two evidently ignored their civic duty; the flags remained as before. I consider this to be a slap in the face to all first responders and the 2819 people who died that day. There are many websites that will notify you of these presidential executive orders giving specific dates and times.

I hope all who read this will perform their civic duty and honor the brave and innocent who have fallen.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Respect the flag and honor the fallen."