Does the flag fly half-staff on Veterans Day, a day to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces? At flyermedia.net, we understand the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans with proper flag etiquette, ensuring respect and gratitude are shown appropriately through patriotic displays. Let’s explore the customs surrounding flag displays on Veterans Day, shedding light on both the historical significance and contemporary practices, while also considering various flag holidays, flag display rules, and patriotic observances.
1. What is the Significance of Flying the Flag at Half-Staff?
Flying the flag at half-staff is a significant gesture, but what does it really mean? The flag, when flown at half-staff, symbolizes mourning, respect, and remembrance for those who have died. It is a visual expression of collective grief and a solemn tribute to individuals or groups who have made significant sacrifices. This practice is deeply rooted in tradition and is reserved for specific occasions as dictated by the President of the United States or state governors.
Understanding the Symbolic Meaning
The act of lowering the flag is more than just a symbolic gesture; it reflects a shared national sentiment. According to research from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in July 2025, understanding national symbols, like the flag, enhance civic engagement and patriotism. When the flag is lowered, it is a moment for reflection on the values and sacrifices that define a nation.
Occasions for Flying the Flag at Half-Staff
The flag is typically flown at half-staff to honor:
- Deceased presidents and other high-ranking government officials
- Members of the armed forces who have died in service
- Victims of national tragedies, such as mass shootings or terrorist attacks
Historical Context
The tradition of flying the flag at half-staff dates back to the 17th century. Some believe it originated as a way to show respect to the “invisible flag of death” which was thought to be flying at the top of the pole. Lowering the flag allowed the “flag of death” to be present above it. This maritime custom gradually made its way onto land and into national practices.
2. Why Isn’t the Flag Flown at Half-Staff on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a day of celebration and gratitude, not mourning, so the flag isn’t flown at half-staff. The purpose of Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is to honor and celebrate all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to express our gratitude for their service, dedication, and sacrifice.
The Distinction Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
It is important to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the military. On Memorial Day, the flag is traditionally flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
Celebrating and Honoring Veterans
On Veterans Day, the focus is on celebrating living veterans and thanking them for their service. This is typically done through parades, ceremonies, and other events that recognize and honor their contributions. Flying the flag at full staff is a sign of respect and appreciation for their service.
Expressing Gratitude
Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to express their gratitude to veterans for their willingness to serve and defend the nation. This can be done through words of appreciation, acts of kindness, and participation in Veterans Day events. Visit flyermedia.net to learn more about how you can honor our nation’s heroes.
3. What Days Are Flags Flown at Half-Staff?
Understanding when to fly the flag at half-staff is essential for proper flag etiquette. The United States Flag Code provides guidelines for when the flag should be flown at half-staff, typically in times of national mourning. However, specific dates are also designated for this solemn display.
Customary Dates for Half-Staff Display
Certain dates are traditionally observed as half-staff days, unless otherwise directed by presidential or gubernatorial proclamation:
- Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15th (sunrise to sunset), unless it coincides with Armed Forces Day
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May (sunrise to noon)
- Patriot Day: September 11th (sunrise to sunset)
- National Firefighters Memorial Day: May 4th
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: December 7th (sunrise to sunset)
Presidential Proclamations
In addition to these customary dates, the President of the United States may issue proclamations directing the flag to be flown at half-staff in response to specific events or to honor particular individuals. These proclamations supersede the customary dates and specify the duration and scope of the half-staff display.
State Observances
State governors may also issue proclamations directing the flag to be flown at half-staff within their respective states. These proclamations typically honor state officials, members of the armed forces from that state, or victims of tragedies within the state. Federal facilities within the state must comply with the governor’s proclamation.
4. Understanding the U.S. Flag Code Regarding Half-Staff
The U.S. Flag Code provides specific guidance on how to display the flag at half-staff. The code outlines the proper procedures for raising and lowering the flag, as well as the duration of the half-staff display.
Proper Procedures
When raising the flag to half-staff on a vertical pole, it should first be raised briskly to the top of the pole for a moment before being lowered to the half-staff position. When taking it down for the night, it should again be raised to the top of the pole before being lowered completely.
Telescoping Poles
For telescoping poles, it is acceptable to place the flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set, leaving the top set empty.
Other Flags
When the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff, state and other flags should also be removed or flown at half-staff.
5. Etiquette for Flags That Cannot Be Lowered
What should you do if your flag cannot be lowered? If your flag is displayed on a house-mounted pole or in a location where it cannot be lowered, there are alternative ways to show respect during half-staff observances.
Black Mourning Ribbon
The American Legion suggests attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag as an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag. This provides a visual representation of mourning without physically lowering the flag.
Symbolic Gestures
Even if you cannot lower the flag or attach a mourning ribbon, you can still participate in the half-staff observance by taking a moment of silence or reflecting on the meaning of the occasion. Showing respect and remembrance in your own way is a meaningful tribute.
Supporting Organizations
Consider supporting organizations that assist veterans and their families. Visit flyermedia.net to find resources and information on how you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who have served.
American flag flying high, symbolizing patriotism
6. Who Has the Authority to Order a Half-Staff Display?
Understanding who can order a half-staff display is crucial for maintaining proper flag etiquette. The authority to order the flag to be flown at half-staff rests with specific individuals at the national and state levels.
Presidential Authority
The President of the United States has the authority to order the flag to be flown at half-staff nationwide. This is typically done to honor deceased presidents, former presidents, or other high-ranking government officials. The President may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff in response to national tragedies or events of significant national importance.
Gubernatorial Authority
State governors also have the authority to order the flag to be flown at half-staff within their respective states. This is typically done to honor state officials, members of the armed forces from that state, or victims of tragedies within the state.
Federal Facility Compliance
Federal facilities are required to follow the lead of the state for half-staff proclamations. This ensures consistency and uniformity in the display of the flag across the state.
7. How Long Should the Flag Remain at Half-Staff?
The duration of a half-staff display varies depending on the individual being honored and the circumstances surrounding the event. The U.S. Flag Code provides guidelines for how long the flag should remain at half-staff for various individuals and occasions.
Specific Durations
The flag should be flown at half-staff for the following durations:
- President or former President: Thirty days after the death
- Vice President: Ten days after the death
- Former Vice President: Until the burial is completed
- Chief Justice or retired Chief Justice: Ten days after the death
- Speaker of the House of Representatives: Ten days after the death
- Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: Until the burial is completed
- Secretary of a military department: Until the burial is completed
- Governor of a state, territory, or possession: Until the burial is completed
- Member of Congress: On the day of, and the day after, the death
Memorial Day Exception
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff until sundown. This unique practice reflects the dual purpose of Memorial Day: to mourn those who have died in service and to celebrate the nation they served.
Special Circumstances
In some cases, the President or governor may issue a proclamation specifying a different duration for the half-staff display. These proclamations take precedence over the standard guidelines.
8. Honoring Other Citizens with Half-Staff Displays
While the President and governors have the authority to order half-staff displays for national and state figures, private citizens and non-government buildings may choose to fly their flags at half-staff to honor more local leaders or individuals.
Local Leaders
Examples of deceased citizens who might be honored with a half-staff display include:
- Local religious leaders
- Youth leaders
- Honored teachers or sports coaches
- Local politicians
- Local heroes
No Authorization Required
The Flag Code does not exclude any citizen, whether belonging to an organization or not, from lowering the flag to half-staff to honor a deceased citizen. There is no requirement for authorization from the government for the private sector to use the flag in this way.
Guidance, Not Obligation
It is important to note that the Flag Code is intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for “misuse” of the flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules, but the code is required to be followed on public or government buildings.
9. Federal Facilities and Half-Staff Proclamations
Federal facilities must follow the state’s lead for half-staff proclamations. New legislation signed into effect on June 29, 2007, by President George Bush modified the Flag Code’s half-staffing requirements.
New Legislation
The new legislation requires any federal facility within a region that proclaims half-staffing to honor a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died during active duty to follow the half-staffing proclamation. For example, if there is a U.S. military fort in your state, and your governor issues a half-staff proclamation, the U.S. military fort must follow the proclamation.
Application
This applies to all governors of a state, possession or territory, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia. The text as adopted is shown below:
- (a) ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION. – Subsection (m) of section 7 of title 4, United States Code, is amended in the sixth sentence –
- by inserting “or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any state, territory, or possession who dies while serving on active duty” after “present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the United States”; and
- by inserting before the period the following: “, and the same authority is provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia with respect to present or former officials of the District of Columbia and members of the Armed Forces from the District of Columbia.”
- (b) FEDERAL FACILITY CONSISTENCY WITH PROCLAMATION. — Such subsection is further amended by inserting after the sixth sentence the following new sentence: “When the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia, issues a proclamation under the preceding sentence that the National flag be flown at half-staff in that State, territory, or possession or in the District of Columbia because of the death of a member of the Armed Forces, the National flag flown at any Federal installation or facility in the area covered by that proclamation shall be flown at half-staff consistent with that proclamation.”
10. Other Special Flag-Flying Days
In addition to half-staff observances, there are several other special flag-flying days throughout the year. These days provide opportunities to display the flag with pride and celebrate the nation’s heritage.
President’s Day
Celebrated on the third Monday in February, President’s Day is a celebration that takes place between Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays. It is not a half-staff day.
Flag Day
Celebrated on June 14th, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which was by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
Veterans Day
Celebrated on November 11th, Veterans Day honors all of our nation’s veterans. It is not a day of mourning but a day of celebration and honor. Citizens are encouraged to fly POW/MIA flags and Military Branch flags on this day to show support to our Veterans.
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
Celebrated on July 27th of each year, this day marks the anniversary of the signing of a treaty that ended the Korean War. From 2000 until 2003 (during 50th anniversary years), this was a half-staff day. Each year since the proclamation only acts to “encourage the display of the flag”. This is a day for special remembrance of the veterans of the Korean War, and especially the United States and allied combatants who made the ultimate sacrifice in Korea.
FAQ: Understanding Flag Etiquette
1. What is the meaning of the gold fringe on some flags?
The addition of the fringe started in the early 1800’s as decorative enrichment. There are no rules that prohibit the use of fringe on an American flag by non-governmental groups or organizations.
2. What should you do with a worn or torn U.S. flag?
Such a flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Individuals should be responsible for destroying the worn flag and burying the ashes. Most VFW or American Legion posts are happy to help with this service.
3. If two flags are staffed before the entrance of a building, where should the American flag be?
On the left side as observed from the street.
4. Can any citizen order the flag to be flown at half-staff?
No, only the President of the United States or the governor of a state may order the flag to be at half-staff to honor the death of a national or state figure. However, private citizens and non-government buildings may choose to fly their flags at half-staff to honor more local leaders.
5. Is it mandatory to follow the U.S. Flag Code?
The Flag Code is a code intended to provide guidance and is not obligatory. It carries no civil or criminal penalties for “misuse” of the Flag. Individuals are not acting illegally when using the flag according to their own rules. The Flag Code is only required to be followed on public or government buildings.
6. What is the proper way to dispose of a worn American flag?
A worn or torn U.S. flag should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Many VFW or American Legion posts offer assistance with this service.
7. Are there specific times of day when the flag should be flown at half-staff?
Most half-staff days suggest that the American flag should be at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on the days of the order. Memorial Day is the exception, where the American flag is at half-staff from sunrise until noon.
8. What should I do if my flag is on a house-mounted pole and can’t be lowered?
The American Legion suggests that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.
9. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day regarding flag display?
On Memorial Day, the flag is traditionally flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon to honor those who died while serving. On Veterans Day, the flag is flown at full staff to celebrate and honor all veterans who have served.
10. Does the new legislation affect how federal facilities display the flag at half-staff?
Yes, the new legislation requires any federal facility within a region that proclaims half-staffing to honor a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died during active duty to follow the half-staffing proclamation.
Understanding flag etiquette is an important way to honor and respect the symbols of our nation. While the flag is not flown at half-staff on Veterans Day, it is a day to proudly display the flag at full staff to celebrate and thank our veterans for their service. Flyermedia.net is committed to providing valuable information and resources to help you understand and observe proper flag etiquette.
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