AUGUSTA, Maine — The death of a former Maine soldier from Gorham is prompting the governor to order state flags to be flown at half-staff in the southern Maine town.
Gov. Paul LePage has directed that the state of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in Gorham on Wednesday in remembrance of Durward Benjamin ‘Ben’ Worster, who died a week ago at Frye’s Leap on Sebago Lake.
Worster attended Gorham High School, and later was awarded numerous honors and medals during his Army tour in Iraq. After his discharge, Worster was as an officer at the Maine Correctional Center in Windham.
Thank You For Serving Ben… RIP
Now let me understand this, I thought Flags flown half staff was for military personel who died in the line of duty…as well as officers of the Law, Presidents etc…when did this change?I really mean no disrespect, but whats going on?
I don’t think many know the proper way anymore. Everyone seems to have a different story as to when. I do notice that it is just Gorham to fly at half staff rather then the entire state and perhaps that is the difference. I don’t know what the “true” way is for each situation, I grew up understanding it was just for those in the line of duty, over the years, for reasons I won’t rant on about, somebody comes out with a different story or view on how or what gets a flag flown at half staff. Maybe some of them are right, and maybe some of them are wrong.
President or governor can fly flag half staff for anyone they seem fit. For instance, flags in NJ flown at half staff for entertainer Whitney Houston. Don’t think it has ever changed.
I guess every former military person, boy scout and news paper person gets the “honor”. Kinda kills the honor when it’s used so wrong.
“governor to order state flags to be flown at half-staff ” – it is only the Maine state flag NOT the American flag so get over it. R.I.P Ben – God speed brother!
This man’s death was a tragedy. I intend no disrespect here. Jumping into Sebago Lake from Frye’s Leap has been illegal for quite a few years now because of the injuries and deaths there. There used to be a person stationed there and it’s posted with signs.
If this vet died doing some other illegal thing, would LePage give the same directive on the Flag?
Sorry, but LePage’s act seems disingenuous and opportunist. His draft dodging during Vietnam bolsters this view.
Thank you Mr Lepage for caring.