Half Staff, not Half Mast

To the Editor:

Re: your photo “Half Mast - 10/25/2004."

When describing the position of the American flag on certain designated occasions of national mourning, “Half-Staff” is the appropriate term.

“Half Mast” describes the position of the colors on Navy ships at certain designated times of mourning.

Basic rule: on land = half-staff; at sea = half mast.

Stephen E. Watkins
Eugene, Ore.