Do You Fly the Flag Half Staff on Veterans Day?
Contents
A Brief Overview of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on November 11th every year. It is a day to honor and thank all military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, but was later renamed Veterans Day to include honoring all American veterans.
Flag Etiquette on Veterans Day
When it comes to flying the flag on Veterans Day, there is some confusion about whether it should be flown at half-staff or not. According to the Flag Code, the flag should be flown at the top of the staff until noon, and then lowered to half-staff from noon until sunset.
Half-Staff Flag Etiquette:
- From sunrise to noon, the flag should be flown at the top of the staff.
- From noon to sunset, the flag should be lowered to half-staff.
- At sunset, the flag should be raised back to the top of the staff.
Why Fly the Flag Half-Staff on Veterans Day?
So, why do we fly the flag half-staff on Veterans Day? The answer lies in the history and tradition of the holiday. By flying the flag half-staff, we are paying our respects to the sacrifices made by American veterans and their families. It is a way to show our gratitude and appreciation for their service and bravery.
Half-Staff Flag Etiquette for Other Federal Holidays:
| Holiday | Half-Staff Flag Etiquette |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day | From sunrise to noon, then lowered to half-staff until sunset |
| Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | At half-staff from sunrise to sunset |
| President’s Day | At half-staff from sunrise to sunset |
| Patriot Day | At half-staff from sunrise to sunset |
Other Flag Etiquette Considerations
While flying the flag half-staff on Veterans Day is a tradition, there are other flag etiquette considerations to keep in mind. For example:
- Flags should be flown in good condition, with no tears, frays, or holes.
- Flags should be flown in a dignified manner, avoiding any type of flagpole or display that may be considered disrespectful.
- Flags should be removed when the weather is bad, such as during heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures.
- Flags should be removed when the flag is no longer in good condition, or when it is no longer suitable for display.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, it is traditional to fly the flag half-staff on Veterans Day. By following the half-staff flag etiquette, we are showing our respect and gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Remember to also follow other flag etiquette considerations to ensure that your flag is displayed in a dignified and respectful manner.
Additional Resources:
- The United States Flag Code: www.usflag.org/flagcode.html
- The Flag Etiquette Guide: www.vfw.org/conservation/flag-etiquette-guide
- The Veterans Day National Ceremony: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday
