Half Mast Flags for Bush?

I suspect that many if not most Canadians will pay little attention to the fact that today our national flag is flying at half mast on government buildings in Canada and in the US. It is being done to mark the passing and funeral for George H.W. Bush. On one hand it seems like a nice thing to do. A former president dies, their closest neighbour marks the occasion in a symbolic way. BUT…

Bush, at least to my rusty memory, was never a friend of Canada. While our former prime minister (Mulroney) and Bush may have been friends or at least close political acquaintances, I do not think that that relationship was extraordinary or particularly beneficial to Canada. George W. did sign the NAFTA agreement, but that was because it was good for his country not because it was better for Canada. With the exception of free trade - did he ever even acknowledge Canada’s existence?

I would be willing to bet that the vast majority of those to the south of us will not even be aware of Canada’s gesture. If they are, it will be only to note that Bush and by extension the USA deserve no less. I would doubt that even amongst the politicians who gather at the funeral (including Mulroney), no one will notice, comment or even care.

I am not sure what value there is in symbolically honouring a man that was of limited interest to Canadians 25 years ago. In fact such gestures may lessen the value of such symbolic acts. It would seem to me that such honourings should be restricted to people who are/were directly connected to the Canadian family.