When I got news that Governor Corbett ordered the state’s flag lowered to half-staff in memory of Joe Paterno, I questioned myself, when it is appropriate to fly to flag half-staff?

And there is actually a flag code that exists.

“Section 7m of the Flag Code authorizes a governor to half-staff the US flag upon the death of a present or former official of the government of the state, or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that state who dies while serving on active duty.”

So there’s a difference: According to Flog Code, the US flag can’t be lowered to half-staffed, but the state flag can be lowered at the Corbett’s discretion.

Do you recommend that the state’s flag be flown half-staff in his memory?

Kierra Bussey can be reached at kierrajb@gmail.com.