President George W. Bush in an official Presidential Proclamation wrote the following words: "NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of Ronald Reagan, and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all buildings, grounds, and Naval vessels of the United States for a period of 30 days from the day of his death."

The United States of America was founded upon Christian principles even though many have strayed away from their Christian heritage and roots. President Ronald Reagan lived a rather full and complete life on this earth for 93 years. Some have heralded him as being one of the greatest leaders of modern times. The thirty-fourth chapter of Deuteronomy records the death of another great leader. In Deuteronomy 34:5 we read, "And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said." In Deuteronomy 34:10 we also read, "Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face."

It is proper, respectful, and Biblical to pay honor and tribute to the memory of our nation's leaders. The flag of the United States was directed to be displayed at half-staff for thirty days upon President Ronald Reagan's death. In Numbers 20:29 we read, "And when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days." Likewise, the children of Israel also observed thirty days of mourning when their leader Moses died at the age of 120. In Deuteronomy 34:8 we read, "The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over."

In 1 Peter 2:13-17 we are given instructions on how we should live. "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

We do not live in a land governed by a king; however, we are encouraged to show proper respect for those in positions of authority. May we be reminded of the freedom we have in Christ as we observe and come in contact with our nation's flag. We are blessed. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
--1 Peter 2:9.