Lowering the Flag- The Tradition of Flying It at Half-Staff for Veterans Day Honors

Do you fly the flag at half staff for Veterans Day? This question often arises during the celebration of this significant day, which honors the sacrifices and service of America’s veterans. Flying the flag at half staff is a tradition that symbolizes respect and remembrance for those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this tradition and discuss the appropriate ways to observe it.

Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day, was originally established to honor the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Over the years, it has evolved to honor all military veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The flag is a powerful symbol of our nation’s unity, strength, and freedom, and flying it at half staff serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.

The tradition of flying the flag at half staff on Veterans Day is rooted in the United States Flag Code, which provides guidelines for displaying the flag. According to the code, the flag should be displayed at half staff from sunrise to sunset on all days except for when it is displayed at half staff in observance of a national day of mourning or remembrance. This means that on Veterans Day, the flag should be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset to honor the nation’s veterans.

There are specific occasions when the flag should be flown at half staff. These include the death of a president or former president, the death of a state governor, the death of a member of the armed forces while serving on duty, and the death of a member of the immediate family of the president or the president-elect. Additionally, the flag is flown at half staff on the day of the funerals of distinguished military personnel, such as generals and admirals.

When flying the flag at half staff, it is essential to do so correctly. The flag should be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then slowly lowered to half staff. To lower the flag to half staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak again and then slowly lowered to the half-staff position. It is important to note that the flag should never touch the ground or any other object when being lowered to half staff.

In conclusion, flying the flag at half staff for Veterans Day is a powerful way to honor the sacrifices and service of America’s veterans. It is a tradition that reflects our nation’s gratitude and respect for those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By following the appropriate guidelines and displaying the flag correctly, we can ensure that this tradition is observed with the dignity and solemnity it deserves.