The national commander of the American Legion, one of the largest and most prominent veterans’ organizations in the U.S., issued a statement Monday calling on President Donald Trump to adhere to “long-established protocol” and issue a proclamation praising the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and bringing the flags to half staff until his burial.
Trump adhered to the U.S. flag code but broke with recent precedent when he lowered flags for McCain only on Saturday and Sunday and declined to sign a proclamation honoring the late senator’s life.
President Barack Obama, by comparison, sent out proclamations and lowered flags for Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Daniel Inouye (D-HI) for days until their burials.
