Flags flying at Half-Mast in Lake Worth

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Several people have asked, "Why are the flags in Lake Worth flying at half-mast?"

"The flag is displayed at half mast at federal buildings by order of the President upon the death of a public official. The pertinent section of the Flag Code says, "by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.

In the event of the death a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that state, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff." Source:  Click here

A local community, a company, a school district, or a federal agency can decide to have all of their flags at half-staff because of the death of an employee, a student, a mayor, or a local police officer.

Definite Half-Staff Dates:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15 (half-staff all day)
• Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), the last Monday in May
• Patriot Day, September 11 (half-staff all day)
• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7 (half-staff all day)

However, no one can tell us why our flags have been flying at half-mast for weeks. A citizen just asked our city manager who was at the steps of city hall and was told, "It's Sunday; I'm not answering any questions."  It was then cleared up by the mayor who said it is because a former Governor of Florida passed away on March 13, Reuben Askew. Now we know.