Nearly every day somewhere in the country, the Stars and Stripes is flying low, ordered to half-staff in one of the most significant official gestures of mourning and respect.
An Associated Press analysis of proclamations from 50 state governors and the federal government found American flags were ordered lowered at least someplace 328 days during 2015.
They honored hundreds of people including slain soldiers, terror attack victims, baseball legend Yogi Berra and one of the Navajo code talkers who helped stymie the Japanese during World War II.
Flag buffs have noted that such honors have increased over time, and they and other Americans have questioned whether the country has lowered the bar on the lowering of the flag. But while some states tightened rules in recent years, others faced criticism for withholding the tribute.
Instances of Missouri ordering the flag flown at half-staff last year on at least some government property, separate from proclamations that came from the federal government:
—Jan. 14: Christopher Tindall, South Metropolitan Fire Protection District battalion chief, who died after responding to a call
—Feb. 26-March 3: State Auditor Thomas Schweich, who authorities said killed himself
—April 1: Marshfield Fire Deputy Chief Edward Noland Jr., who died of injuries sustained in a 2011 fire
—April 17: Charles McClain, the former Truman State University president and state higher education commissioner
—April 25: Vietnam soldier Sgt. Rodney Griffin, who was killed in 1970
—May 8: Orchard Farm Firefighter Larry Wayne Lawhorn, who died of a medical issue while heading to a fire
—Aug. 28-Sept. 4: Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper James Bava, who died in a crash during a chase
—Sept. 18: Harrison County sheriff's deputy Steven "Brett" Hawkins, who died after returning from a call
—Oct. 8: Former state Sen. Harold Caskey
—Oct. 14-21: Kansas City firefighters Larry Leggio and John Mesh, who died during a blaze
—Oct. 20-26: Marine Lance Cpl. Dominic Schraft, who was killed at a shooting range at Camp Pendleton in California
—Dec. 29: Former state Sen. Emory Melton
