WHITE HOUSE FLAG LOWERED TO HALF-STAFF
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 8, 1924, The Evening Star reports President Calvin Coolidge has "personally expressed a wish that the death of his son (Calvin Coolidge, Jr.) be not officially recognized."
Because, however, the President's advisers insisted that the United States flag at the White House be lowered to half-staff in honor of his son, Mr. Coolidge gave his consent.
"Flags on the government departments will remain at full staff."
President Coolidge believes his son's death is not an "official matter" and as such should be given as little publicity as is possible.
JFK+50 NOTE
According to the Library of Congress, "The flag on the White House is never flown at half-mast except on the occasion of the death of the POTUS or an ex-president. But the rule has been broken."
SOURCES
"White House Flag Alone Half-Staffed For Coolidge's Son," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 8, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"White House flag at half-mast," The Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
