BRISTOL — To the editor:
I was certain that, at least through the written word, my flag flying crusade for correctness was done. But not the case.
Subsequent to the death of former R.I. Governor Joseph Garrahy (Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012), through both U.S. Flag Code and the office of Governor Lincoln Chafee, all U.S. flags and state flags across the state were to be flown at half staff until Governor Garrahy was laid to rest on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
This release from the governor’s office came the day following Gov. Garrahy’s death, Wednesday, and if there were not time to make an adjustment then, certainly there was on Thursday. As a result of seeing the U.S. flag flying full staff at Guiteras school on Thursday afternoon, I called both the Guiteras school and the office of the superintendent, and by voice message stated the incorrectness of the flag and the press release of the office of the governor. But days later, before the former governor was laid to rest, the U.S. flag continued to be at full staff at the office of superintendent of schools, Guiteras school and Rockwell School.
I am confident we teach our kids about civics and social issues, like the flag and how we should respect and honor it. That the office of the superintendent, as leader, was not on top of this is disturbing and certainly should have been long before my phone call to that office. With more than 100 faculty, administrative and non-administrative employees, it is truly sad and astonishing that not one knew and/or did not make a point of informing the office that the flags, so publicly visible, should have been flying at half staff.
What a negative impact on so many students and parents.
Owen Trainor III
Bristol
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