KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Many people get emotional talking about the death of Whitney Houston.
“She had a voice like no one else, you know, and it was just such a shame,” said jazz musician Bobby Watson.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie agrees, which is why he ordered flags to be flown at half staff in New Jersey on Saturday, when the late singer is set to be buried in her hometown of Newark.
“She was a cultural icon in this state,” said Christie. But his decision wasn’t accepted by everyone.
“She was a wonderful entertainer, phenomenal voice. I loved her music. I think they could have done her more honor by respecting her career as opposed to lowering the flags,” says Vietnam War veteran Bill Sullivan.
Some veterans at a Lenexa Veterans of Foreign Wars post say that particular honor should be saved for veterans, politicians, or first responders, not recording artists.
“It’s very emotional for a lot of veterans, especially for those who have served in a combat zone,” Sullivan explained.
Governor Christie had to defend his position again this week, and Bobby Watson stands up for the Governor’s decision.
“I think it’s well deserved,” Watson said. “Everybody has their ups and downs. That’s just human nature.”
Some veterans say lowering the flag in Houston’s honor is fine with one rule.
“If you’re a patriot of this country, then you should be honored,” said Chuck Shoemaker.
How she’s honored will be a polarizing debate maybe even after she’s laid to rest.