Special Days of Honor
Welcome to our “Special Days of Honor” page—a dedicated space to remember and celebrate a variety of important national observances that pay tribute to the service men and women of the United States.
From our Armed Forces to local heroes in firefighting and law enforcement, and from historic events that have shaped our nation we explore these Special Days of honor.
Timeline by Month
May: Armed Forces Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day, Memorial Day
October: National Firefighters Memorial Day
November: Veterans Day
December: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Get the Half Staff Calendar Now
Armed Forces Day
Historical Context
Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 and first celebrated in 1950 as a unifying celebration of all U.S. military branches. It was created to honor current service members and replace the separate observances for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Today, it is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May and serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of those who defend our nation.
How to Celebrate Today
- Attend local parades and community picnics.
- Display patriotic decorations and flags.
- Engage in community events that honor our service members.
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Ensure the American flag and any military branch flags are displayed properly. You can get a 6 branch military flag or any military flag with Gettysburg Flag Works. As usual, use respectful handling and proper lighting when exhibiting flags. Follow guidelines on our American Flag Etiquette page for proper folding and placement when indoors or outdoors.
Memorial Day
Historical Context
Memorial Day has its roots in the Civil War, when communities began holding observances to honor fallen soldiers. Officially established as a federal holiday in 1971, it has grown into a day dedicated to remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
How to Celebrate Today
- Observe moments of silence and reflection.
- Visit local cemeteries, memorials, or participate in remembrance events.
- Decorate veterans’ headstones with flags, grave markers, flowers, and wreaths as a tribute.
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Memorial Day is one of the five days of mourning, where we fly the American flag at half-staff. Memorial Day is unique because we fly the flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full-staff. Get all the proper protocols here.
Veterans Day
Historical Context
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, commemorating the end of World War I. It was later expanded to honor all veterans from every conflict and was recognized as a federal holiday in 1954. Learn more about this day with our dedicated Veterans Day guide.
How to Celebrate Today
- Volunteer with or donate to veteran-focused organizations.
- Attend local ceremonies or community gatherings dedicated to veterans.
- Explore our special Veterans Day give-back initiatives, including the “Thank You Veteran 2024 Flagpole Surprise” and “Please Remember Me” campaigns, which celebrate our veterans’ contributions and provide tangible support.
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Display the American flag, military branch flags, or POW/MIA flags respectfully. Use proper flag placement during ceremonies and in public displays. Adhere to official flag protocols to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans.
National Firefighters Memorial Day
Historical Context
National Firefighters Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is one of the five nationally recognized days that we pay tribute to with the lowering of flags to half-staff. It is the least we can do for firefighters nationwide, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.
How to Celebrate Today
- Check your local area memorial ceremonies and community vigils.
- You can also support firefighter families through donation drives or community events.
- The date changes each year due to calendar date changes, but you can get the latest date on our Half Staff Calendar page.
Get your Firefighter flags to support your local servicemen and women
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Display the American flag at half-staff and use special banners dedicated to fallen firefighters to show support. Ensure that any public observances involving flags are conducted respectfully.
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Historical Context
Similar to National Firefighters Memorial Day, Peace Officers Memorial Day honors the law enforcement officers who have given their lives in service to our communities.
How to Celebrate Today
- Participate in local memorial services or public ceremonies.
- Observe a moment of silence in honor of fallen officers.
- Share tributes or support initiatives that benefit the families of those lost in service.
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Display your American flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset. Use other Police support banners to show gratitude.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Historical Context
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day commemorates the attack on December 7, 1941—a pivotal moment in U.S. history that led to significant changes in our national security and military policies. Observed on December 7th of every year, this is a date that follows half-staff protocol.
Flag Etiquette Guidelines
Take extra care when displaying the American flag. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a National Half-Staff day.
Share Your Story
You are the reason we do what we do! Our flags matter to us and the people that fly them matter more. If you have a story or know somebody with a story that honors a veteran, a firefighter, a peace officer, or reflects on the lessons of Pearl Harbor, we would love to hear from you.
How to Participate:
Contact us online or call us at our HQ in upstate New York.