Veterans Day, November 11, honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, and unlike Memorial Day, the flag flies at full staff all day. Knowing that one distinction, plus a few display basics, lets you mark the day correctly. Here is how to display the American flag on Veterans Day.
Full staff all day
On Veterans Day the U.S. flag is flown at full staff for the entire day, sunrise to sunset (or overnight if lighted). This is the key difference from Memorial Day, which is half-staff until noon. Veterans Day celebrates and thanks all who served, living and deceased, so the flag stays at the top.
| Holiday | Flag position |
|---|---|
| Veterans Day (Nov 11) | Full staff all day |
| Memorial Day (last Mon in May) | Half-staff until noon, then full |
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
It is worth keeping straight: Memorial Day honors those who died in service (half-staff morning); Veterans Day honors all veterans, especially the living (full staff). Flying at half-staff on Veterans Day is a common, well-meant mistake, full staff is correct.
How to display the flag
- Raise the flag briskly in the morning and lower it ceremonially at sunset (or light it overnight).
- Give the U.S. flag the position of honor if flown with state or other flags.
- Fly a clean, unfaded flag; replace a worn one before the holiday.
- Never let it touch the ground.
Other ways to honor the day
Beyond flying the flag, many display service flags or a POW/MIA flag, attend a Veterans Day ceremony or parade, and observe a moment of silence around 11:00 a.m. (the holiday traces to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). Businesses often fly the flag and recognize veteran employees and customers.
A good time to refresh your flag
Like other patriotic holidays, Veterans Day is a natural moment to check your display: retire a faded flag, confirm your pole and lighting, and raise a fresh flag. A crisp flag at full staff is a fitting tribute.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flag at half-staff on Veterans Day?
No, full staff all day. Half-staff-until-noon is Memorial Day.
What time is significant on Veterans Day?
11:00 a.m., echoing the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (the WWI armistice); many observe a moment of silence then.
Can I fly service or POW/MIA flags too?
Yes, with the U.S. flag in the position of honor and others in proper order beneath/after it.
The bottom line
On Veterans Day, fly the U.S. flag at full staff all day to honor all who served, the opposite of Memorial Day's half-staff morning. Use a clean flag, give the national flag the position of honor, and consider a moment of silence at 11 a.m. It is a simple, meaningful tribute.