When displaying the American flag outdoors, you’ll typically need to illuminate it. According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless it’s properly illuminated. You can always take down your American flag before sunset, but doing so every day can be tedious and time-consuming. An easier solution is to illuminate your American flag at night so that it complies with the U.S. Flag Code. Here are five lighting tips on how to illuminate your American flag at night.
#1) Choose the Right Type of Light
Not all outdoor lights are made equal. Some of them provide better illumination than others. Solar lights are typically the worst. While they are energy efficient, they aren’t very bright. Instead of using a solar light, consider using a light-emitting diode (LED) fixture. Outdoor LED fixtures are both powerful and energy efficient, making them an excellent choice for illuminating American flags.
#2) Position Towards Your American Flag
You should position the light towards your American flag. When turned on, the light should beam directly at your American flag. It shouldn’t beam to the side of your American flag. If the light is off to the side, it won’t create a patriotic effect. You need to position it directly towards your American flag so that it illuminates the flag while creating a patriotic effect in the process.
#3) Ensure Full Coverage
Make sure the light covers all of your American flag. In other words, your entire American flag should be illuminated at night. Small lights may only cover a portion of your American flag. In cases such as this, you can either upgrade to a single large light, or you can install additional small lights. Regardless, you should use a lighting setup that covers all of your American flag.
#4) Clean Regularly
Whether you choose a solar light, an LED fixture or any other type of outdoor light, you’ll need to clean it. Outdoor lights will collect dirt and dust. If you don’t clean them, they may fail prematurely, in which case they won’t illuminate your American flag at night.
#5) Test During the Night
It’s a good idea to test your lighting setup at night. When the sun goes down, go outside and turn on the light to inspect your American flag. It should be fully illuminated with the light beaming directly on it. If it’s not, try to reposition the light.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
