The mayor of a small Mississippi city is facing a wave of criticism after publicly questioning the decision to lower American flags to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton. Ken Adams, the mayor of Olive Branch, took to the city’s Facebook page on August 28 to express his concerns regarding the gesture. Per Fox News, Adams argued that lowering the flag should be reserved for specific, major instances to ensure the act maintains its significance.
Adams wrote, “I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant. …. In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.” He continued, “If we lower the flag every time a well-known or beloved person passes away, I believe we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture.”
