Ocean City, MD - Question?

[fish4fun]

A few weeks ago when I was in OC the flag just south of the 50 bridge on the west side was flying at half mast. This is the really big flag near the fishing center, where Shanty Town used to be located.

Does anyone know why it was flying at half mast? I am assuming it wasn't because of Michael Jackson....

[Parsifal]

Does anyone know why it was flying at half mast? I am assuming it wasn't because of Michael Jackson....

You're right. Maybe in Gary Indiana, but not in OCMD.

[BlueFin II]

I assume you're referring to July 3rd. I saw several American Flags at half mast that day and was wondering why as well. Turns out, the Governor of the State has the right (under law) to order the flag to be flown at half mast.

http://www.sos.state.md.us/Services/Halfstaff.htm

"In response to inquiries we have received, the Office of the Secretary of State would like to explain the recent implementation of Public Law 110-41. This federal law authorizes the Governor of a State to order that the U.S. flag be flown at half staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces from that State who dies while serving on active duty. To further honor the sacrifice of this individual, Governor O'Malley has ordered both the United States Flag and the Maryland State Flag flown at half staff."

As for that particular date:

"July 3, 2009 This is to advise you that Governor Martin O’Malley has ordered the United States Flag and Maryland State Flag flown at half staff on Friday, July 3, 2009, from sunrise to sunset. This is in memory of Army Sgt. Rodrigo A. Munguia Rivas of Germantown, Maryland, who died on June 21, 2009 in Bagram, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom."