I write to you all today to ask of you a favor.

My dear friend Dennis lost his Dad on September 28th of this year. His father was a great man who made an incredible difference in this country. William J. Whalen III served as the Director of the National Park Service under the Carter Administration and effectively doubled the amount of park lands in our nation at that time. He went on to oversee the Golden Gate Recreation Area and, during his tenure, launched the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, which has raised more than $100 million for the GGNRA. He was only 66.

I received the following bulletin several days ago:

NOTICES

Director/Deputy Directors

Flags To Be Flown At Half Staff On Friday

On October 19th, Steve Martin, deputy director for operations, issued the following memorandum, entitled Lowering of Flags in Honor of Former NPS Director William J. Whalen:

To honor the passing of former director William J. Whalen, all offices, parks, and regions, with the exception of the National Mall, should lower flags to half staff on Friday, November 3rd.

A memorial service for William J. Whalen III will be held on November 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Mason Officers Club at Bay and Franklin Streets in San Francisco.

This is where I need you. If you are anywhere near any national government 'offices, parks, (or) regions' on this Friday, November 3rd (tomorrow) and you see the flag flying at half mast would you PLEASE be so kind as to take a photo? It need not be beautiful or perfect. Also, if you know anyone who you feel comfortable referring to this post, please spread the word. I am attempting to put a piece together as a keepsake for he and his family. The more pictures the better.

Please email questions or any/all pictures to me at - lesophie (at) comcast (dot) net - if you can.

Thank you so incredibly much.