Sorry, but the story of US flag flying half-mast to honour Kalam is a hoax

It all started when somebody put up a picture of the US flag being hoisted on the White House at half-mast and claimed that it was done in honour of the former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam, who passed away on Monday. People all over social media began posting about the “first time in history the US White House flag was half down for Dr APJ Abdul Kalam” and how they were “proud to be an Indian”.

America's White-House Flag half-down in respect for Dr APJ Kalam .Proud tobe an INDIAN .......! pic.twitter.com/qtWhXVqCel

— Dr.Seema (@drseemat) July 31, 2015

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Even Subhash Ghai tweeted about it.

White house flag down in respect for Dr kalam . we wish our present leaders receive the same kind of respect 🙏 pic.twitter.com/41WAqKZ6Q7

— Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) July 29, 2015

There’s just one problem though: The entire story is a hoax. [caption id=“attachment_2374582” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam. AFP[/caption] According to International Business Times, while it is true that recently US President Barack Obama had asked the US flag to be hoisted at half-mast, it was not done in honour of Kalam. In fact, it was also done before Kalam’s death. In an official circular which Obama released on 21 July, it was announced that the US flag, at the White House as well as all federal buildings including overseas embassies, will be lowered till 25 July to honour the soldiers killed in a shooting incident at Chattanooga, Tennessee. However, Obama had condoled the demise of Kalam. “On behalf of the American people, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of India on the passing of former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam,” he had said, according to PTI. “A scientist and statesman, Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most accomplished leaders, earning esteem at home and abroad,” he had said in a statement. “His tenure as India’s 11th president witnessed unprecedented growth in US-India ties. Suitably named ’the People’s President’, Dr Kalam’s humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world.” (With inputs from PTI)