10/01/2026
Some may have wondered about our national flag and why during ceremonies it never touches the ground. I’m sharing a piece from a friend about this.
Standing In Remembrance Why the Irish Tricolour Is Never Lowered
By R McAney & Martin Weafer (IDFVN Historian)
At military commemorations and remembrance ceremonies, small details often carry the deepest meaning. One such detail, frequently noticed but not always understood, is the treatment of flags. In particular, the Irish Tricolour is never allowed to touch the ground and is not ceremonially laid down, even when other national or organisational flags are lowered in respect.
This is not an oversight, nor a personal choice by colour parties. It is a deliberate and long-established tradition within Irish military ceremonial practice.
The Irish Tricolour represents more than a national emblem. Within the traditions of the Irish Defence Forces, it symbolises the sovereignty of the State, the continuity of the Republic, and the authority derived from the people. For that reason, it is afforded a unique status. Lowering the Tricolour fully to the ground in a ceremonial context could imply surrender, defeat, or the extinguishing of the State itself. That symbolism is never invoked during remembrance.
Instead, the Tricolour remains upright and controlled. It stands not for the fallen individually, but for the living State that remembers them.
By contrast, the lowering of other national flags or organisational standards during remembrance ceremonies is a recognised international military custom. When these flags are dipped or laid down, the gesture represents respect, shared sacrifice, and honour for the dead. This practice is common at Commonwealth ceremonies, United Nations commemorations, and joint or multinational military events. It does not diminish those flags; it elevates the act of remembrance.
Veterans’ standards and unit colours occupy a particular place within this tradition. While they are not national flags, they represent service, identity, and collective memory. In Irish military culture, such standards are treated with dignity and discipline. They may be lowered or rested during ceremonies, but they are never casually grounded or discarded.
This is why groups such as the Dublin Military Veterans continue to observe Defence Forces ceremonial standards long after leaving active service. Their flags are supported, controlled, and respected at all times. Civilian status does not mean civilian standards when it comes to military remembrance.
What this practice demonstrates is professionalism rather than pageantry. It reflects an understanding of symbolism, history, and responsibility. The fallen are honoured, alliances are acknowledged, and tradition is preserved without theatrics.
In simple terms, other flags bow in respect.
The Irish Tricolour stands in remembrance.
