Last Saturday, President Donald Trump and Governor Charlie Baker ordered flags at federal and state buildings be lowered to half-staff “as a mark of solemn respect” for the 11 victims shot to death at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. The flags were to remain at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Yesterday evening (Monday) as I drove north from Bolton Road toward Ayer, I noticed that there were no flags flying at half-staff between Bolton Road and Myrick Lane. The flag in front of HES had been taken down. The flag on the Common was proudly flying at the top of the pole. Both flags at the fire station and police station were at the top of their poles. One residence on Ayer Road also flew their flag at full-staff. Even the flag at the U.S. Post Office was at full-staff, which probably explains why the Postal Service is having difficulties.
I am sure that each of you is outraged over the shooting of innocent people exercising their right to worship. To me, this hateful act was an assault on all Americans and our values as a nation. Respecting the victims of this horrific act is one way to show those evil people among us that hate has no home in our country. I am sure that failing to lower our flags to half-staff is an unfortunate oversight.
The American Legion can send you text alerts when the President declares flags to be lowered to half-staff. To receive these text alerts, simply text the word “flag” to 35893. You will receive a confirmation text within a few minutes. Hopefully, each of you who “owns” flags in various locations in Harvard will sign up for this alert and ensure that flags are properly lowered to half-staff when required.
Ron Ricci
East Bare Hill Road
