Flag protcol

On the eve of May 4, the flags in the Netherlands are flown at half mast as a token of reverence and respect for the dead. The period when the flag is at half-mast lasts from 6 p.m. to sunset. The flag used is the Dutch tricolor without a pennant. The way in which flags should be flagged is laid down in a protocol of the national government. This article explains some aspects of the flag protocol.

Guidelines regarding flying the flag

There is no guideline for the size of the flag, except that the length is to the width as 3:2.
The flag may never touch the ground when raised. The flagpole must therefore have a good length.
In principle, the bottom tip should not be attached to the mast; the flag should be flying. In the event that the flag otherwise touches the ground, an exception may be made.
Flags may not be hoisted or hovered between dusk and dawn. An exception applies to unmanned public buildings and in cases where the flag is illuminated in such a way that the colors can be clearly seen.
On May 4, 'extensive' flags will be flagged, which means that the flag is displayed on all government buildings.

Hoist and take down
When raising the flag, it is first hoisted full, after which it is slowly lowered until the center of the flag is at half its normal length. Then the flag line is tied. After sunset, the flag is lowered in memorial places. When lowering the flag, the flag first rises from half-mast to the top before being lowered. In public buildings that are unmanned, the flag may be flown at half-mast after sunset.

Multiple flags
During the commemoration it is allowed to hang several flags at half mast, such as provincial or municipal flags, or flags of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. They must have the same dimensions and be lifted at the same height. When a foreign delegation is present at a Dutch (national) commemoration, for example from a sister municipality, their flag is in principle not present. This flag is only raised when victims from the relevant region are also commemorated. Since it concerns the National Commemoration, the Dutch flag is awarded the place of honor. With two flags, the place of honor is always on the right, determined by standing with the back to the flag. With three flags, the place of honor is in the middle. If the provincial flag and the municipality flag flank the Dutch flag, the provincial flag is placed to the right and the municipality flag to the left of the Dutch flag. Here too, the position is determined by standing with the back to the flags.

The order of flags
The Dutch tricolor always deserves a place of honor during national Remembrance Day. After all, we commemorate all Dutch victims of war violence. The place of honor is always on the left, facing it or in the case of an odd number of flags in the center (relative to a monument or other flag). If the provincial flag and the municipality flag flank the Dutch flag, the provincial flag is placed to the right and the municipality flag to the left of the Dutch flag. The flag of another commemorated nation takes precedence over a regional or local flag.