So said Barack Obama, just now.

Yes, Mr. President, you have. And in each instance, you have served all of us well.

than it is a full staff.
It was only recently that I'd give a second look when I saw a flag at half staff, and wonder what the occasion for that was.

Now, it's so common one can hardly reflect on which recent death or tragedy is being remembered by a lowered flag.

Dubya couldn't give such a singing, shining speech even in his dreams.

A lot of tissues were used here.