Flag Etiquette for Veterans Day Ceremonies

Veterans Day is one of the most meaningful days on the American calendar. It’s a time to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces, and few symbols carry more weight on this day than the American flag. But here’s the thing: displaying and handling the flag correctly isn’t just a nice gesture. It’s a way to show genuine respect for those who put their lives on the line for our country.

At AC Flag and Banner, we’ve spent years helping families, businesses, schools, and organizations across Colorado and nationwide get the right flags and flagpoles for their needs. And every year around Veterans Day, we get questions about proper flag etiquette. What are the rules? When should the flag be raised or lowered? What should you do during the national anthem? These are great questions, and the answers matter.

Whether you’re hosting a Veterans Day ceremony, participating in a parade, or simply flying the flag at your home or business, understanding flag etiquette for Veterans Day ceremonies ensures you’re paying tribute the right way. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

Understanding the Significance of the Flag on Veterans Day

The American flag isn’t just a piece of fabric. It’s a symbol of unity, freedom, and sacrifice. Every star, every stripe carries meaning. And on Veterans Day, that symbolism becomes even more powerful.

Veterans Day, observed on November 11th each year, honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes every veteran, living or deceased. The flag serves as a visual reminder of what these men and women fought to protect.

When you fly the flag correctly on Veterans Day, you’re doing more than following rules. You’re acknowledging the courage and dedication of millions of Americans. That’s why proper flag etiquette matters so much. It’s not about formality for its own sake. It’s about respect.

For many veterans, seeing the flag displayed correctly is deeply meaningful. It tells them their service hasn’t been forgotten. And for those of us who haven’t served, it’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can say “thank you.”

This is also why investing in a quality flag matters. A faded, torn, or poorly made flag doesn’t send the message you want. At AC Flag and Banner, we carry American flags made from durable materials designed to look sharp and hold up over time, because the flag deserves to be displayed at its best.

Proper Flag Display Guidelines

The U.S. Flag Code provides the official guidelines for displaying the American flag. While it’s not legally enforceable for private citizens, following these standards is considered a sign of respect. Here are the basics you should know.

The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagpoles. If you want to display it at night, it must be properly illuminated. This is one of the most commonly overlooked rules, but it’s an easy fix with a simple spotlight or flag light.

The flag should never touch the ground, floor, water, or any merchandise beneath it. When raising or lowering the flag, do so slowly and ceremoniously. Never just yank it up or let it drop.

When flown on a pole with other flags, the U.S. flag should always be at the top (or the highest point) and should be the same size or larger than any other flag on the same pole or in the same grouping.

Displaying the Flag at Half-Staff

Here’s something that trips people up: on Veterans Day, the flag is flown at full staff, not half-staff.

Half-staff display is reserved for specific occasions, like Memorial Day (until noon), the death of a government official, or when ordered by the President or a state governor. Veterans Day is a celebration of living veterans as well as a tribute to all who have served. Flying the flag at full staff reflects the pride and honor of the day.

If you’re ever unsure whether to fly at half-staff, a quick check of current proclamations from the White House or your state governor’s office will give you the answer.

Positioning the Flag During Ceremonies

During Veterans Day ceremonies, flag placement follows specific protocols:

• With other flags: The U.S. flag is positioned to its own right, which is the observer’s left. It should be at the center and highest point when displayed with a group of state, local, or organizational flags.
• In a procession or parade: The U.S. flag should lead all other flags or be positioned to the right of other flags marching abreast.
• On a speaker’s platform: The flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker. If on a staff, it should be on the speaker’s right (the audience’s left).
• On a wall or flat surface: The union (the blue field with stars) should be at the top and to the flag’s own right, which is the observer’s left.

Getting these details right shows attention and care. It sets the tone for a respectful, dignified ceremony.

Conduct During the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance

When the national anthem plays or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, everyone present should face the flag, stand at attention, and place their right hand over their heart. This applies whether you’re at a formal ceremony, a sporting event, or anywhere else the anthem is played.

For civilians not wearing headgear, the right hand stays over the heart from the first note to the last. If you’re wearing a hat, remove it and hold it at your left shoulder with your right hand over your heart.

Military personnel in uniform render the military salute. But here’s something not everyone knows: veterans and active-duty service members who are not in uniform may also render the military salute during the anthem or when the flag passes by. This was authorized by Congress in 2008 and again clarified in 2009, giving veterans a way to honor the flag with the same gesture they used during their service.

A few other points to keep in mind:

• Stay still and quiet during the anthem. No talking, texting, or moving around.
• If the flag passes by during a parade, stand, face it, and render the appropriate gesture (hand over heart or salute) until it passes.
• If you’re driving and encounter a flag procession, pull over safely and wait until it passes.

These moments of stillness and respect are powerful. They connect everyone present in a shared acknowledgment of what the flag represents.

Flag Handling and Folding Procedures

How you handle the flag matters just as much as how you display it. The flag should always be carried aloft and free. It should never be carried flat or horizontally, whether in a parade, ceremony, or any other setting.

When storing the flag or preparing it for presentation, the traditional method is to fold it into a tight triangle with only the blue union visible. This folded flag represents the tricorn hats worn by colonial soldiers and is the standard presentation format at military funerals and other formal occasions.

Here’s how to fold the flag properly:

1. Hold the flag waist-high with another person so it’s parallel to the ground.
2. Fold the lower half of the striped section lengthwise over the blue field.
3. Fold it again lengthwise with the blue field on the outside.
4. Make a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to meet the open edge.
5. Continue making triangular folds along the length of the flag.
6. When you reach the end, tuck the remaining material into the fold, leaving only the blue field visible.

This takes practice, and if you’re participating in a ceremony, it’s worth rehearsing beforehand.

When a flag becomes worn, faded, or damaged beyond repair, it should be retired with dignity. The preferred method is burning in a formal ceremony. Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and local Boy Scout troops often hold flag retirement ceremonies. If you’re retiring a flag yourself, do so respectfully: those present should stand at attention and may salute or place their hands over their hearts as the flag is consumed.

Never throw a flag in the trash. It deserves better than that.

Common Flag Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning people make mistakes with flag etiquette. Here are some of the most common ones we see, along with how to avoid them:

• Letting the flag touch the ground. This is probably the most well-known rule, but it still happens. When raising, lowering, or handling the flag, take care to keep it from contacting the ground, floor, or water.
• Displaying a worn or damaged flag. A tattered, faded, or dirty flag should be replaced. Flying a worn flag doesn’t show respect. It shows neglect. If your flag has seen better days, it’s time for a new one.
• Using the flag as decoration. The flag itself shouldn’t be used as bunting, drapery, or costume. If you want patriotic decoration, use red, white, and blue bunting instead. When arranging bunting, the blue goes on top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom.
• Displaying the flag upside down. An upside-down flag is a signal of dire distress. Unless you’re in an emergency, this is a serious violation of etiquette.
• Flying the flag at night without illumination. If you want to display your flag 24/7, that’s great. Just make sure it’s lit after dark.
• Leaving the flag out in bad weather. Unless your flag is made from all-weather material, bring it in during rain, snow, or high winds. Even all-weather flags will last longer if they’re not constantly exposed to harsh conditions.
• Fastening or displaying the flag in ways that could damage it. Don’t use tacks, pins, or tape on the flag itself. Use proper hardware like grommets and halyard clips.

These might seem like small details, but they add up. Getting the little things right shows you take the flag, and what it stands for, seriously.

Special Considerations for Veterans and Military Personnel

Veterans and active-duty service members have a unique relationship with the flag. For many, it represents the ideals they swore to protect. There are a few special considerations that apply to them during Veterans Day ceremonies and beyond.

As mentioned earlier, veterans and service members not in uniform are authorized to render the military salute during the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and when the flag passes in a parade or review. This is a personal choice, and many veterans find it meaningful to continue this tradition after their service ends.

Veterans often participate in flag-folding ceremonies, color guard details, and flag retirement events. These roles carry deep significance. If you’re organizing a Veterans Day ceremony, consider inviting local veterans to take part. Many are honored to be asked.

For families who have lost a service member, the folded flag presented at military funerals is a sacred keepsake. Display cases designed to hold a folded flag are available, and many families display them with pride in their homes.

If you’re a veteran or know one, it’s worth noting that properly displaying the flag at home or at a business is one of the simplest ways to stay connected to the values of service. And it sends a message to fellow veterans in the community: you’re not forgotten.

Conclusion

Flag etiquette for Veterans Day ceremonies isn’t complicated, but it does require attention. From knowing when to fly at full staff to handling the flag with care during folding and retirement, every detail matters. These guidelines exist because the flag, and the veterans it honors, deserve our respect.

Whether you’re displaying a flag at your home, organizing a ceremony at your business or school, or participating in a community event, getting it right is worth the effort. And if your current flag is looking a little worse for wear, now is the perfect time to replace it before Veterans Day.

At AC Flag and Banner, we offer high-quality American flags, flagpoles, and accessories at competitive prices. We ship nationwide, so no matter where you are in Colorado or across the country, we can help you find what you need. Browse our selection online at acflagandbanner.com, and let us help you honor those who have served with a flag that looks the part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the flag be at half-staff on Veterans Day?

No, the American flag should be flown at full staff on Veterans Day. Half-staff display is reserved for occasions like Memorial Day (until noon), the death of government officials, or when ordered by the President. Veterans Day celebrates all who served, so full staff reflects pride and honor.

What is proper flag etiquette during the national anthem at Veterans Day ceremonies?

Everyone present should face the flag, stand at attention, and place their right hand over their heart. Remove hats and hold them at your left shoulder. Veterans and military members not in uniform may render a military salute, which was authorized by Congress in 2008.

How do you properly fold an American flag for a Veterans Day ceremony?

Hold the flag waist-high with another person, fold the striped section lengthwise over the blue field twice, then make triangular folds along the length. Tuck remaining material into the fold, leaving only the blue union visible. This triangle represents colonial soldiers’ tricorn hats.

Can the American flag be displayed at night during Veterans Day?

Yes, you can display the flag at night, but it must be properly illuminated. The U.S. Flag Code requires lighting after dark if you choose 24/7 display. A simple spotlight or dedicated flag light ensures you’re following proper flag etiquette for Veterans Day ceremonies.

What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day flag protocols?

On Veterans Day, the flag flies at full staff all day to honor all living and deceased veterans. On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff, specifically commemorating those who died in military service.

Where should the American flag be positioned during Veterans Day ceremonies?

The U.S. flag should be placed to its own right (observer’s left) and at the highest point when displayed with other flags. In parades, it leads all other flags. On a speaker’s platform, position it above and behind the speaker on the speaker’s right side.