Dear Gill,

A couple of weeks ago I was driving down highway 59, and as I looked to my left at the intersection of 59 and 90 I admired the United States flags flying off to the side. I always admire that little roadside area. The city seems to really keep it up.

But, as I looked on I noticed the flags were at half staff. I wasn’t sure why, but it got me to thinking. How does the city, or a regular Joe like me, know when to fly their flags at half staff. Where can I get this information?

John, Summerdale

Well, John, that’s a good question.I, too, have often admired the collection of flags at the intersection you mentioned. It makes me think of my Granddaddy, a Navy man, who fought in the war and served our great country way back when.

But, back to your question, John. Since I wasn’t 100 percent the answer off hand, I put in a call to a sweet, young lady at the city of Robertsdale’s public works office. She informed me the city receives e-mail notifications on when a national or state figure passes on. Then, she said it’s up to the powers-that-be on whether the flags are lowered to honor those folks. The flags are also lowered for local figures. In fact, when you noticed them flying at half staff, it may likely have  been to honor Huey Mack, the longtime county coroner. You can sign up for e-mail notifications at www.apexflags.com/halfstaff.html.

And, John, I’m going to give you a two-for-one today. Did you know the flags at the intersection you mentioned are there to honor local soldiers who fought in Desert Storm? Well, golly, I didn’t.

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