Illuminating Old Glory

American flag etiquette requires that the flag be illuminated when it is flown at night. The interpretation of this obligation varies dramatically from using a solar light that doesn’t cast enough light to illuminate a piece of paper a foot away from it, to using mega-lights that could illuminate the Empire State Building.

One important point to remember is that etiquette does not say that the POLE has to be illuminated. Sadly, what we see most often is someone using a single fixture shining straight up the pole to the flag. This is problematic in two ways: First, the beam is usually too narrow to illuminate the flag in every direction, depending on which way the wind is blowing; or, it doesn’t emit enough lumens (brightness) to properly illuminate the flag. Then, if the pole is a light color, the light hitting it makes it appear brighter and detracts from the desired focal point – the FLAG!

To properly illuminate a flag, you should use two or three fixtures, depending on the size of the flag and the height of the pole. Each fixture/lamp should cast a fairly narrow beam of 10 to 15 degrees and produce at least 150 lumens each. The fixtures should be located about 3’ from the base of the pole and aimed at the ball at the top of the pole.

Here are some examples of how we at NightScenes determine how to properly illuminate our nation’s flag:

· A 12’ to 20’ pole with a 3’x5’ flag should have two fixtures. Each of these fixtures should use the equivalent of a 20 watt halogen MR16 lamp with a 10 to 15 degree beam.

· A 25’ pole with a 4’x6’ flag should also have two fixtures. These fixtures should each use the equivalent of a 35 watt halogen MR16 lamp with a 10 to 15 degree beam.

· A 35’ pole with a 6’x10’ flag should have three fixtures. These fixtures should each use the equivalent of a 35 watt halogen MR16 lamp with a 10 to 15 degree beam.

· Taller poles with 10’ or larger flags will require three fixtures. These fixtures should each use the equivalent of at least a 50 watt halogen MR16 lamp with a 10 to 15 degree beam.

These are examples, and of course each situation is different and could determine what type of fixture to be used and where they need to be placed. It is important to note that the flag should be properly illuminated from dusk to dawn if it is flown at night. Make the flag the primary focal point, not the pole.

Fly the American Flag with pride, and please respect it by using proper etiquette at all times.