I realize I am a week late on this subject. It concerns an obligation attendant to the privilege of flying the flag of the United States, as per "flag etiquette." On Memorial Day, to respect those who have made the supreme sacrifice in service to our country, the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff until noon.

In a short sample, driving in Howard Country on Route 100 from Interstate 95 to U.S. 29 and then on U.S. 40 to Interstate 70 on Memorial Day at approximately 11 a.m., I counted 10 flags at full staff, none at half-staff. Most embarrassing was one flown by the County at the Alpha Ridge facility.

Perhaps next year, in the issues circulated immediately prior to Memorial Day, newspapers could emphasize to the public this rarely observed element of flag etiquette.

Charles S. Jennings

Marriottsvile