By Cindy Schroeder
Enquirer staff writer

COVINGTON - Kentuckians who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country deserve statewide recognition, Covington Mayor Butch Callery says.

In a July 7 letter, Callery asked Gov. Ernie Fletcher to issue a standing order to lower flags throughout the Commonwealth to half-staff whenever a Kentuckian dies in military conflict in Iraq or Afghanistan. He asked that flags be lowered from notice of death until interment.

"I think this would show that Kentucky truly honors the sacrifice of each and every Kentuckian who has given the last full measure," Callery wrote. He noted 13 people identified as Kentuckians have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 2001.

"This wouldn't replace what their families lost, but it would let them know that other people care," Callery said.

Callery said his request was inspired by another Republican governor - Arnold Schwarzenegger. He cited a June 30 column in the Courier Journal that related how Schwarzenegger insists that flags at the state capitol be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of each Californian who dies in combat in Iraq. Schwarzenegger also issues press releases eulogizing slain service members, continuing his predecessor's practice.

Callery also asked Sylvia Lovely, executive director of the Kentucky League of Cities, if her organization could help coordinate the effort.

"We think it's a lovely idea," said Bobbie Bryant, communications director for the Kentucky League of Cities. "It's certainly something we would consider, but we would follow whatever protocol is dictated through the governor's office."

Fletcher spokesman Doug Hogan said the governor's office has received Callery's letter but he didn't know if the governor had read it yet.

"Obviously, the governor, as a veteran, is very cognizant and aware of the sacrifices that our brave young men and women make for our country every day," Hogan said. "I'm sure he wants to make sure those sacrifices are given the highest possible honor."

As the commander in chief of Kentucky's National Guard, Fletcher has twice ordered that flags be lowered across the Commonwealth when a guardsman was killed in combat or while on active duty, Hogan said.

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E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com