Veterans and others in Michigan voiced disappointment Monday in New Jersey's decision to fly its flags at half-staff in honor of Whitney Houston over the weekend.

John Burri of Kalamazoo man was so upset he burned that state's flag in protest. Burri's son died serving in Iraq in 2005 when his humvee hit an IED.

"The people that have lost sons and daughters they're pretty much outraged," VFW Commander Mike O'Keefe said.

O'Keefe says New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's order to lower the flag, in a way lowers the honor itself.

"I'm not trying to take anything away from her," he said. "She was a good actress, a great singer, but the fact of the matter is what has she done to protect that flag up there."

"Maybe it's a little drastic, I know that's a little extreme," John Burri said of his flag-burning decision. "But I'm sorry, this is how much it hurts, this is how much a slap in the face it is to all that have served and given their life."

Veterans with the Rose City American Legion expressed their displeasure more quietly, saying the flag tribute is meant to be special and select.

"It is to honor the veterans, their service to the country, the sacrifice that they've made to the country," Legion member and veteran Marion Chalfant said.

The tribute is typically reserved for principal figures in government or service members killed in action, but Houston is not the first celebrity to be honored this way.

Governor Christie maintains she is deserving as a "daughter" of New Jersey. He points to her cultural and monetary contributions to the state.

"She wasn't a veteran and I don't believe it's appropriate," said Chalfant.

For some the issue is clear cut, for others a shade of gray-- under the red, white and blue.