Flag salute to Paterno

Various U.S. flags have been spotted at half-staff, apparently to honor the late Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, but that's not what Gov. Tom Corbett ordered.

Corbett on Monday ordered all Pennsylvania flags at the capital and state facilities be flown at half-staff through sunset Thursday.

However, a U.S. flag was at half-staff near the swimming pool at Lancaster County Central Park on Tuesday.

A Reuters image online shows the U.S. flag at half-staff at Penn State University. Other images have appeared online — along with debate whether it was proper to honor Paterno in such a way.

The governor's office has fielded a few calls about which flag was ordered to be flown at half-staff, according to Corbett spokesman Gary Miller.

"The governor did not order the U.S. flag to be lowered. If people or businesses are doing so, they're doing it on their own," Miller said.

The office directs callers to the Department of General Services' website, which has the flag order for Paterno and new releases pertaining to other flag orders, he said.

"This order was issued solely at the governor's discretion, and he felt it was entirely appropriate given coach Paterno's stature as a very notable Pennsylvanian," Miller said.

Miller said Corbett has issued flag orders many times since taking office.

dnephin@lnpnews.com