Veterans Day is November 11
On Saturday, November 11, citizens across the United States will observe Veterans Day. Learn more about the history of Veterans Day, why it's important to fly the U.S. flag on national and state holidays and special occasions, and the fascinating guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to protect the dignity of the American flag.
Don't forget to proudly display your American flag this Veterans Day at your home!
History of Veterans Day
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day commemorates the day when World War I ended. World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. To learn more about the history of Veterans Day, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
United States Flags on Veterans Day
The American flag is a symbol of freedom and liberty. The colors on the flag each have a meaning:
- Red: valor and bravery
- White: purity and innocence
- Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is a living symbol.
In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law prohibiting flag burning was unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act in 1989. It provides that anyone who knowingly desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year. However, this law was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision that the Flag Protection Act violates the First Amendment free speech protections.
Important Things to Remember
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag.
It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white and blue bunting should be used for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.
The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.
Other Things Not to Do with the Flag
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Dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
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Display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
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Let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
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Carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
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Fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
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Place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
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Use it for holding anything.
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Use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
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Use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.
During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S. citizens should stand at attention.
When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
