I have posted a comment left at Fox Sports Blog which caught my eye and inspired a rebuttal from yours truly. You may see it differently. That's why we are who we are. The following comment concerning NASCAR'S response to the death of Mr. Bill France Jr. posted June 5th, 2007 on theFox Sports Blog of Ms. Lee Spence:
Flag etiquette I realize that Bill France Jr. was a god send for Nascar and the sport would not be where it is today if not for him, but the lowering of the flag to half mast in his honor was out of place. I hope this was an oversight and not Nascar doing it just because of Nascar arogance. I dont believe his passing will ever be looked at as a national holiday. Look up flag etiquette on the Internet and this is what you will get.
The flag may be flown at half-staff by Presidential proclamation or by proclamation by your state governor.
On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.
Your flag can be flown at half-staff upon reliable information that a past or present President or Vice-President has died (see Section 7m below).
By statute, the President is requested each year to issue a proclamation requiring government buildings to half-staff the flag and inviting all the people of the US to do so as well, on the following days:
May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day Sept. 11, Patriot Day Dec. 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Section 7m of the Flag Code (see below) reads:
The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Governm
Last edited by jeff71159 on June 5th at 7:40 AM.
My Comment to jeff71159:
Jeff71159...Well done sir. The fault in your comment is that most any institution may place the flag at half mast to honor a particular major, influential contribitor to that institution or appreciated persons of any stature. I am a Viet Nam vet and thought nothing in error when I first viewed a photo at Dover Downs International Speedway with the flag at half mast. I knew and know little of Mr. France but am finding he was, indeed, a giant behind the sport of NASCAR. Watching the race Monday I could tell this man must have done for NASCAR something to the extent of what all the great men and women throughout our history had done and that is affect a nation. There is "formality" sir and then there is "fanatisism". I loathe to mention the catastrophic events recently where the flag was lowered to half staff without the President of the United States approval and the many local institutions throughout this country who have lowered the flag to half staff in honor of a pillar, founder, or appreciated person or persons who have passed either in an untimely manner or of natural causes. There's "the book", sir, then there's the American Way.
Well I thought it was a bit odd for dropping the flag in honor of France Jr. but I also felt it was proper to do so as an announcement that he had passed away and showed respect for a leader in the sport of NASCAR.
I always understood it to be a symbol of mourning. I recall having it lowered to half staff on at least one occasion when I managed a city yard that flew the flag. I can't recall the situation. But I recall it felt appropriate at the time.
Photogr..Thanks for the comment man. You're right. It would seem odd seeing that at first but if you heard what had happened, which you did, you go "oh..That's why?" I don't believe it's at half staff for any length of time, it was just for that day, the day he died and it happened to be a race day due to the weather. So "ceremony" WAS in order.
14Falcons- Thanks for stopping and commenting. I too, worked in security at a place and there were occassions where they requested the flag be lowered to half staff. Like you say, I felt it was proper and it WAS proper and done in the manner it should have been. The President doesn't say when to lower flags when,for example, a fireman or police officer dies. It's a "ceremonial" act. An act of recognition of someone beloved by a community be it large or small. Jeff71159's reaction is troubling. Could be any thing from a recent soldier/son lost at war, etc and he's feeling extra sensitive about the flag at half mast procedure. I don't know. I am just taking a guess as to why he re-acted so. Then, again, it's his opinion. That may be all there is to it.
I agree...he was the driving force of Nascar, and as long as it is not at half staff for a full week, It's OK. A full week should be reserved for a Federal servant, such as a President. One or two days, and I see nothing wrong with it.
Great post!
8929fan..Thanks for taking the time to comment..You're right on. Like I "guessed" jeff71159 is extremely sensitive now OR just an old timer (new timer too) who are the kind that can't bend and refuse anything other than "The Book".
lisa4usc..Much pleased for the comment. Though a week is called for (or even more on a occasion we hope never arises) the flag can also be at that level for civilian's. For example September 11 Attack, etc...Flight 93. Also, lisa4usc it let's the fans and everyone become aware something has occurred. Then word gets out that "the man" has passed and the race takes on a whole new life. (kinda neat huh?..from death there is life) Thanks, again you guys.
8929fan..I really like your writing style. And so nice too.."Kiss My Behind"...Well said girl! Oh And Clint Bowyer is my main man...Ask lisa4usc..I was endowed with the wisdom of what and how dam interesting and exciting NASCAR is for the first time with the Daytona Race. Upside Down On Fire #07 crossed the finish line that way 5th, I believe. Quiet guy. Gonna be big...Bet on it! And I have Southerncindi to greatfully, humbley thank for that. Somehow, who knows, she talked to me and I , on Sunday, had the race on and got sent to Ambrosia...
For someone who had given so much to his sport and to his country the flag flying at half mast was a tribute to the man. As a vet and a 30 year member of the firefighting community we all know people who have gone beyond.Yes there are protocalls, but common sense and respect for the person and the symbol should be taken into consideration also.I felt no disrespect was shown or intended from the racing facility when the flag was flown at half mast.
I feel your comments were precisely right. As a vet myself, I saw it fitting, and I understood the purpose behind the action. I did, however, at first wonder if it would provoke the precise action which took place by Jeff71159. I did want to thank you for posting the proper flag etiquette.
I also see nothing wrong with lowering the flag in Mr. France's honor/memory. The same was done when Dale Earnhardt died and I know that Lowe's Motor Speedway lowered their flag when Benny Parsons died as well. It may not follow "true flag etiquette", but dammit, these are people we in the NASCAR community respect and admire and I see nothing wrong with honoring them.
bobdot: Thank you for taking the time to comment. And "Welcome Home"..I'm assumimg (I know bad thing to do) you're A Viet Nam Vet. Common sense, as yours, is what is lacking, it appears, in many folks in this land of ours. Like I mentioned; There is "The Book" and then there is "The American Way". Oh..And thanks for your xtra involvement in saving lives. My son is a firefighter in PA.
xbulrdr8:Thanks for breaking to comment man. You, too, take the apparent, sensible response to this. That's why I posted it. I was a little stunned when I read it. I'm just glad to see all the sensible people around here. :0)
DWiliams: Thank you, too, sir for your time. More good examples of true flag etiquette and more good sense shown, here, in response to this fellow. What jeff71159 quotes are ,more or less, directions for what one should do on occassion if need be with the United States of America flag. For military, schools, institutions, etc. A guideline for the proper display when the flag ABSOLUTELY should be attended to. It is not a mandate of "ONLY FOR THIS". If you notice in the quote jeff71159 has posted the wording never states "must" "only" it states "may be" and "can be". As I said, a guideline for the unfamiliar.
Thanks for comment about my style. I totaly agree with you on Clint Bowyer. He has the potential to be great. I was hoping he could win at Dover, but I was also glad to see Martin win.
8929fan: Thank you for your time. Yes..I really thought he might win it. Clint was running in the front 4 or 5 for quite awhile. I think it was after that little 5 car thing that Clint faded a little. Good Show 8929fan!
Like a dog with a bone - or an over/under or even a staff of good, hard wood
I am a FOX Sports Blogger who NEEDS to VENT. You may also enjoy my tuneful stylings at www.myspace.c om/billdyckns Don't try to give me all that money I know you're going to want to donate or any personal information. . .OR, be the 1st to buy one of my songs. The FIRST.
On top of all that...well.. .there isn't much more on top of that since i'm on the glidepath down. But, as I say in my best song, "Time keeps tellin' me to fold. You know that always makes me crack a smile. Mr Time he believe I growin' old." (copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved) (means don't try rippin' that line off)
OK, On 51 Hut BREAK!
