Is the flag at half-staff on Labor Day? | Flag Etiquette

by Maria Coffey

Labor Day in the USA is the first Monday in September.  It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the achievements of America’s workers, both economic and social.

Because Labor Day is a celebration, and not a day of mourning, it is a full-staff day, where the American flag flies proudly at the top of flagpoles throughout the country.  You will also see many of them waved at Labor Day parades throughout the country where American workers will take to the streets to celebrate. Flag code says that the American flag should be displayed on all days, but names special days where flying your flag is especially important.  Labor Day is among the special days mentioned.

The parts of flag etiquette that will be tested on Labor Day in the USA, pertain to how the flag is treated and used.

1. The flag should never touch the ground.  Parade goers should be very careful not to drop the flag or allow it to drag on the ground.
2. The flag should not be worn.  This rule is very commonly disregarded.  It was added to flag code to limit the commercial or common usage of the flag and, thus, maintain its dignity. Code was edited to allow for the use of pins or patches on uniforms, or as a patriotic gesture.
3. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. Companies, politicians and organizations are welcome to display their flags proudly, but should not use it as an advertisement.  The flag is not a commercial symbol.
4. The flag should not be used to cover a table and items should not be placed on the flag.  The flag is a symbol of a proud nation and should not take the place of a tablecloth, blanket, towel or other disposable product. When in doubt, flying your flag from a flagpole is best.

Labor Day is a day off from work for many throughout the country and because it is always celebrated on a Monday, it creates a 3 day weekend.  Over the years, this weekend has become symbolic for the end of summer, the start of the school year and the last days of the year where it is fashionable to wear white. With so many workers taking the day off, it has also become a day of retail sales where many merchants will clear out summer inventory or push back-to-school sales.

In much of the world, workers celebrate International Workers Day on May 1st.  On May 4th in Chicago 1886, though, the Haymarket Massacre occurred.  President Cleveland chose September for the American holiday in 1887, lest it become a day of mourning, rather than a day of celebration.  Perhaps, it would have been a half-staff day had May 1st been chosen.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend from your friendly flag experts at Gettysburg Flag Works!