Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams said in a statement that lowering the American flag to half-staff should be reserved for military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents, other major national leaders or events that have a tremendous impact on the country. He issued the remarks after a recent decision to lower flags for Dolly Parton.
Adams said there is no question Parton was a great person who brought happiness to millions and did tremendous things for others, and that he has nothing but respect for her.
He said lowering the flag every time a well-known or beloved person dies risks lessening the gesture’s meaning. Adams said Mississippi cities operate under Home Rule and that locally elected officials have the ability to use their judgment when appropriate.
Adams said the President can make the decision for the country and the governor can make the decision for the state, but that a mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city. He said he did not believe residents elected him to be a “salute and execute” mayor but to lead with conviction.
Adams said his position was not about disrespecting Parton, about politics or about suggesting she was not a great American. He said his concern is that the honor of the American flag at half-staff should be reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances.
