What has happened to independently showing respect?
On Dec. 29, 2024, the 39th president, who also was an amazing humanitarian, passed away. It was ordered by President Biden a 30-day period of national mourning where flags on federal government buildings were to fly at half-staff.
On Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, while driving around Missouri Valley, I noticed only a couple of banks, the post office, of course, since it is a federal building, the school, a high-rise apartment building and two private residences had lowered their flags to half-staff independently to honor and show respect to the passing of a former president. There are many flagpoles in the community, both public and private that proudly fly the stars and stripes.
I was appalled that a simple act of lowering the flag to show respect to the passing of a former president who was an amazing humanitarian could not be done at least until after his state funeral service. It truly saddened me to see this in the community. What has happened to people today? Has everyone become so callus that a simple act of respect cannot be done without being ordered to do so?
Cathy Blackley
Missouri Valley
Editor's note: On Dec. 30, 2024, Gov. Kim Reynolds also ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset on Jan. 28, 2025, in honor and remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter. This is in conjunction and for the same length of time as the proclamation from President Joe Biden.