Thread: Flag protocol

I received some bad news this morning. I was told that one of the teachers from the English department had died on the weekend. This was a guy I had worked with for the past three years. I suggested that at the flag raising ceremony, which we have every morning at school, the flag be raised to half mast.

However, the director of the school forbid this. He thinks that a flag should only be lowered to half mast for royalty and leaders of a country. I disagree with this, but I do remember there was some royal protocol about the flag over Windsor castle not being lowered when Princess Dianna died.

It is, in my opinion, a mark of disrespect to not lower the flag at a school when a teacher dies.

I would like to know what you think. What is the proper protocol regarding a flag at half mast?

Flag of the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Display at half-staff

The flag is displayed at half-staff (half-mast in naval usage) as a sign of respect or mourning. Nationwide, this action is proclaimed by the president; state-wide or territory-wide, the proclamation is made by the governor. In addition, there is no prohibition against municipal governments, private businesses or citizens flying the flag at half-staff as a local sign of respect and mourning. However, many flag enthusiasts feel this type of practice has somewhat diminished the meaning of the original intent of lowering the flag to honor those who held high positions in federal or state offices. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first proclamation on March 1, 1954, standardizing the dates and time periods for flying the flag at half-staff from all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels; other congressional resolutions and presidential proclamations ensued. However, they are only guidelines to all other entities: typically followed at state and local government facilities, and encouraged of private businesses and citizens.

For the flip side, one could bold the next statement.

I don't really have any thought on it myself, but I can see both sides of the argument as having merit.

A flag is a symbol. In the case of the American flag, it
is a symbol of the nation, and the ideals of the American
community. As such, it should not be demeaned, in any
way.

To fly the flag at half-mast is a symbol of respect for the
deceased. This sign of respect should be reserved for
members of the community who have served, for the
benefit of all.

A teacher is a respected member of the community...as
are policemen, firemen, soldiers, and community
leaders...and their passing should be honored.

in my opinion, flying the flag at half-mast is a small
measure of recognition, and tribute, to those who have
served.

It costs nothing, and it is a final "thank you" for what
they have done for us.

My opinion only....

Respectfully,
Paul

Originally Posted by PaulKidd

A teacher is a respected member of the community...as
are policemen, firemen, soldiers, and community
leaders...and their passing should be honored.

Really Teachers risk their lives as police, firefighters and soldiers do. I dont see it that way. If you want to fly the flag for a teacher who served his community fine, but do not compare the service provided to a community by a teacher as the same as those who willingly put their lives in harms was to serve others. Just my two cents

Just for some perspective, in Southern Thailand, which is in the grip of an islamic insurgency, teaching is a dangerous profession. Just one reason why I would never work in the south of Thailand.

Originally Posted by ndw76

I received some bad news this morning. I was told that one of the teachers from the English department had died on the weekend. This was a guy I had worked with for the past three years. I suggested that at the flag raising ceremony, which we have every morning at school, the flag be raised to half mast.

However, the director of the school forbid this. He thinks that a flag should only be lowered to half mast for royalty and leaders of a country. I disagree with this, but I do remember there was some royal protocol about the flag over Windsor castle not being lowered when Princess Dianna died.

It is, in my opinion, a mark of disrespect to not lower the flag at a school when a teacher dies.

I would like to know what you think. What is the proper protocol regarding a flag at half mast?

You are in Thailand and I am not so customs will be different.
Thailand's censorship rules protect the Thai flag from
desecration.... (but what is desecration).

In the US a school, city office, a company or individual can
make this gesture of respect for an individual.

In the US we shake hands and in much of
Asia a bow is the equivalent respectful greeting.

Time is also important. In some contexts a year should
pass... In some homes a small shrine with a picture
and incense (jos) is appropriate. Perhaps in his normal
class room. Like so many things asking quietly is as
important as doing.

Seems like a cultural lesson is in order.
It is a school after all and lessons on civility
are often overlooked as part of an education.

I know our US TV news outlets need lessons
in civility. But that would begin a rant...
for another day and another thread.

What I have come to understand is that what matters how old the custom is. My wife, who knows almost nothing about any protocol, assured me that lowering the flag, in Thailand is only for the death of a king. I think when this custom of lowering the flag to half mast originated it was reserved for the king only. Slowly it was allowed for lesser royals and common folk who serve the community.

As with many things, Thailand is stuck in the past. They are hung up on this one particular custom remaining unchanged. This could be because this custom is related to kings and the Thais have a god like admiration for their current king.

I also have great admiration for this current king, so I am not going to rock the boat and insist on lowering the flag. Even though I think that is what should have been done.

lowered or raised flag here could indicate the state of the house/communety/scool or state

This is not a dayly event sonot allowing it seems a bit insensitive

When In Rome, do as the romans. You're in Thailand, so you have to play by their rules.

If it were my kids school here in the US and a teacher died I would have no problem with flying the flag at half mast. I don't think that there's any real correlation between the risk of ones job and their deserving of honor. Presidents who never served in uniform will get the honor, why can't a beloved member of the community get the same?