Flag Etiquette for Remembrance Day
Flag etiquette is a serious matter in Remembrance Day or Veterans Day observances as a way of honoring the sacrifices of soldiers by their countrymen. In some countries, the flag is flown at half-staff with a moment of silence. In America, the flag often is displayed in a special folding ceremony by veterans groups during their community observances.
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Different Names in Different Countries
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After World War II, the Australian and British governments changed the name from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day to honor the sacrifices of all those who died in war or from their wounds resulting from war--not only those who died in World War I which ended on Nov. 11, 1918. Canadians also observe the day as Remembrance Day. In America, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day.
Flag Display
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The Australian flag must be flown at half-staff from 10:30 to 11:03 a.m. on each Remembrance Day. Special guidelines apply for flying the flag on Remembrance Day in Australia. Each Nov. 11, the flag must be flown "at peak" from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Then from 10:30 to 11:03 a.m., the flag is flown at half mast--accompanied by a moment of silent reflection. After 11:03 a.m. and for the remainder of the day, the flag is flown at peak. In England, a two-minute moment of silence begins at 11 a.m. on the Sunday closest to Nov. 11 to remember the war dead. In America, Title 4 in the U.S. Code says the flag may be flown for 24 hours if illuminated in the darkness. Otherwise, the flag must be flown from sunrise to sundown at full staff since Veterans Day honors the living veterans in the U.S.
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U.S. Flag Folding Ceremony
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In communities across the U.S., veterans groups, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and The American Legion, often hold commemorative services for the public to attend. An Honor Guard folds the flag, explaining with each of the 12 folds a special significance, according to USFlag.org:
1. "A symbol of life."
2. "A symbol of our belief in the eternal life."
3. "Made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world."
4. "Represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance."
5. "A tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'"
6. "For where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
7. "A tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic."
8. "A tribute to the One who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of day and to honor Mother for whom it flies on Mother's Day."
9. "A tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women, who have made this country great, have been molded."
10. "A tribute to father; for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born."
11. "In the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
12. "In the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost."
Once completely folded, the stars are uppermost as a reminder of America's motto "In God We Trust."
The closing paragraph is: "After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today."
Different Days and Ways of Observance
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In Canada and Australia, Remembrance Day is observed on Nov. 11. In America, Veteran's Day also is observed officially on Nov. 11. Great Britain observes Remembrance Day on the Sunday nearest Nov. 11 with church services and parades involving veterans. In London, the parades proceed along Whitehall from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square.
For the Living or the Dead?
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Since the end of World War II, Remembrance Day recognizes all war dead in Australia, Canada and Great Britain. However, in America, Veteran's Day is designed to honor all living veterans; while Memorial Day at the end of May is for deceased veterans. Canadians wear red poppy flowers on Nov. 11 to honor their war dead. On London's Whitehall avenue, wreaths of poppies are displayed at the Cenotaph, a war memorial that was built after World War I, to remember the war dead. In America, the red poppy flowers are worn on Memorial Day. The idea came from the 1915 poem by John McCrae titled "In Flanders Fields."
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- Photo Credit American Flag image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com The Australian flag blowing in the wind image by Francois du Plessis from Fotolia.com
