Washington – All federal buildings in a state have to comply when the governor orders the American flag lowered to half-staff in honor of soldiers killed while serving, under a law President Bush signed Friday.
The bill responded to complaints from families of fallen soldiers who saw that the flag was often not lowered at federal buildings despite governors’ instructions. Federal officials said they did not consider themselves under governors’ jurisdiction.
“This legislation will ensure consistency in how we honor fallen heroes,” said the law’s sponsor, Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.
The differing responses set off a larger debate about whether lowering the flag for a killed soldier cheapened the tribute by carrying it out too often and whether it was a subtle anti-war gesture.
Under the new law, Washington’s mayor has the same authority as governors, meaning he can instruct the White House and other federal buildings in the Capital to lower the flag.
The law amends the Flag Code, which offers guidelines on treating the flag but does not have penalties for noncompliance.
