QUESTION: How Can I Fly and Light the American Flag at Night?
ANSWER:
This article has been written with information cited from Order Code RL30243 CRS Report for Congress, “The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions.” This report presents the Flag Code as found in Title 4 of the United States Code and section 36. A PDF of this document may be downloaded from the US Senate for reference.
The American flag, officially recognized as the flag of the United States, is to be treated with respect as it is a representative of a living country and understood to be a living entity according to Section 8 of the “Flag Code”. The flag should not be shown disrespect, dipped to any person or thing, never carried horizontally, never touch the ground, the floor, water or merchandise and never worn as apparel, bedding or drapery.
Section 6 of the Flag Code specifies appropriate time and occasions for displaying the flag. Traditionally, the flag has been universally flown only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs. Explicit permission to use an all-weather flag is also stated in that same section. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are typical; flags made from these materials are commonly seen in rain, snow and other adverse weather that would normally and disrespectfully tatter or stain natural fabric flags.
The Flag Code also discusses the use of the American Flag at night. “When a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”
The code does not discuss any official methods for lighting the flag so as long as the display of the flag does not violate the “spirit of the Flag Code.” The code further explains that “the dignity accorded to the flag is preserved by lighting that prevents its being enveloped in darkness.”
The American Legion has developed recommendations on lighting the American flag at night. They have interpreted proper illumination to mean a light or lighting plan specifically placed to illuminate the flag. Alternatively, the Legion believes that having a light source sufficient to illuminate the flag so it is recognizable as such by the casual observer is also permissible. The former recommendation is the preferred.
The flag that flies outside of B-K Lighting in Madera, California is flown 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The flag is lit by several luminaries specially selected for the purpose.
The flag itself is illuminated by three K2™ Series / HP2 Solid State with Color Tuning BKSSL® Technology fixtures. These luminaries are dynamically controlled whose close tolerance system replicates a wide spectrum of natural white light enabling continuous modulation from 2700K through 6000K Correlated Color Temperature (+/- 2 SCDM). These fixtures are dimmable from 5-100% in 1% increments. Color and saturation add varying levels of customization for seasonal scene adjustments through the use of a wireless commissioning tool. Additionally, these fixtures' characteristics can be quickly replicated to the other two through a copy and paste function that's as easy as point and click.
The K2's are placed equilaterally around the pole’s foundation with an approximate diameter of 12 feet. This placement allows the flag to be completely illuminated regardless from which direction the wind originates with the flag fully extended.
Additionally, the pole itself is also illuminated by two Nite Star™ Solid State (BKSSL®) fixtures with narrow spot optics. The luminaries are mounted on Power Pipe™ System In-Grade Junction Box (Low Voltage) and are targeted upon a plaque that displays a quote from President George W. Bush: “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.” The installation was dedicated on September 11, 2002.