As a Veteran who has lost friends in war, I am always saddened by the death of a fellow soldier, but gladdened when I hear that their life and service was one of honor. We should respect all those who make the "ultimate sacrifice" for our freedom.
Governor Granholm on the other hand deserves no such respect. Her order to have flags lowered to half staff upon the death of any Michigan soldier is purely political and ill-conceived. Not only are her motives selfish, the order itself is impractical and has the potential to generate further anxiety and disrespect for the flag.
How many soldiers from Michigan have died for their country? Here are some answers:
During the Civil War - 90,747 Michigan soldiers gave their life to preserve the Republic.
In WWI - 14,000 Men of the combined Michigan and Wisconsin 32 Division never made it home.
WWII - Another 19,179 Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines joined the ranks of those who died defending freedom from dictators, facists and "false gods."
Korean War - Our first open war against Communism required the lives of 1,242 Michigan soldiers.
Vietnam - The War "so many" would like to forget, claimed another 1,844 of our own.
If we had flown the flag at half staff for each of these brave men and women, our flag would have been at half staff during the entire duration of each war we have fought. Although we grieve for our dead, it is not acceptable to sacrifice our fighting spirit on the altar of political correctness/pandering.
Beyond the political implications, this misguided policy is also impossible to implement fairly. Who is responsible for informing every person flying the flag that it should be flown at half staff on a particular day? Unlike the deaths of Presidents, Vice Presidents and other National Figures, the death of a single soldier will sometimes go unnoticed in the news. Under Granholms directive, how does it make the survivors of these soldiers feel to see only some flags dipped in remembrance for their loved ones?
Governor Granholm should rescind this flawed order and with the rest of her party, cease the attempt to politicize and divide us in our Nations time of struggle. If she is truly concerned about honoring our war heroes and the flag, she should ensure each Michigan veteran who dies in service to their country receives a proper burial and provide a "Gold Star Flag" to each soldier's family. She should also make flag etiquette and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance (including "under God") a mandatory part of each Michigan children's school day!
