This weekend celebrates Memorial Day when we remember those who have given their lives for our American way of life. One way to remember these heroes is to fly the flag of the United States of America and do so properly. Also, Flag Day is not far behind, June 14th.
Here at NightScenes we strongly recommend proper illumination of the American flag if it is going to fly at night. This is proper American flag flying etiquette. This does not mean that flying the flag near a street light is acceptable. The flag needs to have its own illumination source.
All too often we also see the flag illuminated with HID (high intensity discharge) lighting like 500 watt metal halide lighting or even more. This is serious overkill, wastes energy and contributes significantly to sky glow light pollution.
Yes, the American flag needs to be respectfully illuminated if it’s to be flown at night, but it should be done properly also respecting our environment. A 3’X5’ flag on a 25’ pole can be easily illuminated with two fixtures of 35 watt halogen equivalent light output. With larger flags on taller poles there may be a need for three fixtures with more intensity to triangulate the flag so it can be seen well.
It’s also important to realize that you don’t have to light the flag pole itself, just the flag. This means that the beam of light can be narrower. Many patriots will use a large flood light for Old Glory when they really need to use only a spot light instead. It is not advisable to flood the entire area in order to illuminate the flag; you simply want to spotlight the flag itself, avoiding any other light trespass. Move the light fixtures about 3 or 4 feet out from the flag pole and use a narrow beam spread of about 15 degrees. Then aim the light at the ball on top of the pole. This will insure the flag is illuminated while not creating a distraction from lighting the pole itself.
Controlling the light to come on at dusk and go off at dawn is also recommended. The advancements in LED outdoor lighting technology can reduce your energy use costs while still keeping your flag lit throughout the nighttime hours.
If you would like to fly your flag at night and need it properly illuminated, contact us here.
I have a flag mounted at a 45 degree angle to the eaves of my house, just under the roof. I would like to illuminate it so it can be hung after hours. My thoughts were to mount a directional LED lamp at and angle to the flag, but on the same easel, perhaps 2′-3′ from the flag mount. Can you offer any additional suggestions and product ideas?
Sincerely,
Roger
Hello Roger, if you will use the “contact us” form on the right side of this page, I can help you properly. Thank you.