All places should honor flag half-staff order

On July 9, The Gazette reported that Gov. Terry Branstad ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in honor of Iowa Army Capt. Matthew Nielson, killed June 29 in Iraq. Flags were to fly at half-staff until

8 a.m. July 11.

On our way to church July 10, we passed a fire station on 42nd Street NE, Kennedy High School, Pierce Elementary and Harding Middle School, all with their flags at full mast. Private businesses along that route that were flying flags had them at half-staff.

If the American flag is going to be displayed, it should be done with proper flag etiquette and responsibility. I don't know how these places are made aware of special situations as the honoring of a fallen soldier, but it appears it is being handled poorly. It does not speak well of governmental entities ignoring the governor's order and their lack of honor for a fallen soldier.

Jim Snetzler

Cedar Rapids