Flag Day is coming up on June 14. It is a day to honor the American Flag and what it represents. There are certain lighting requirements when the American flag is flown throughout the night. Our friends at NatureScape Lighting in New Jersey wrote a blog post sharing the following rules regarding American flag landscape lighting:
According to the U.S. Flag Code, Section 6a: “It is universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”
The Code itself doesn’t indicate what “properly” means. However, “The American Legion interprets ‘proper illumination’ as a light specifically placed to illuminate the flag (preferred) or having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual observer.”
NatureScape mentions, "the flag needs to be illuminated regardless of wind strength and direction. If your flag is five feet wide, lighting must cover the area of a ten-foot diameter circle, with the pole being the center."
Adding a few lights near the base of the flagpole can make a tremendous difference at night. The flag then becomes a strong focal point at night, adding interest and color.
When determining the best way to illuminate your flag, you'll want to consider the size and location of your flag. A landscape lighting professional will know which fixtures and beam spread will properly illuminate your flag. At McKay, we have a new, powerful fixture perfect for tall flagpoles and buildings.
Low-voltage LED lighting creates a subtle and noticeable impact as required by the flag code without overpowering the American flag. Plus, it provides a longer bulb life with energy saving benefits and automatically set to run from dusk until dawn.
The professionals at McKay Lighting can work with you to develop a custom lighting design that ensures your star-spangled banner will wave brightly and with honor at night.
If you have any questions on American flag landscape lighting requirements or would like to discuss your lighting needs, please feel free to contact us or schedule a free consultation online with a designer.
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