“I really don’t know why it wouldn’t be flown [at half staff] today, on Sept. 11,” said Lt. Col. Sylvia Taylor, commander of the AFROTC. “We’d have to look online to see if there is a proclamation issued by the president. The bottom line is that whatever the president has mandated is what we will do.”
Although the president may have the final say, Dean of Students Karen Lange said St. Thomas abides by what Governor Pawlenty issues in a proclamation.
“We do need to go along with a proclamation by the governor,” she said.
Governor Pawlenty did issue a proclamation yesterday, and ordered that “all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff on state property from sunrise until sunset on Sept. 11, 2009 in honor of Patriot Day.”
Taylor said Public Safety is usually the first to respond to proclamations regarding the flag. Public Safety was not available for comment.
Mary Kenkel can be reached at mlkenkel@stthomas.edu.
It was actually a double whammy because there was a second proclamation in honor and remembrance of Officer Richard S. Crittenden Sr. of the North St. Paul Police who was killed in the line of duty on Labor Day.
Maybe it’s time to stop letting kids put up our nation’s flag. I wouldn’t even hesitate flying the flag at half staff on a day that has forever struck sadness in the hearts of those affected. Not to mention, a day in which innocent lives were lost. On behalf of all Minnesotans, I demand a sincere apology from those responsible.