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Thursday, November 10, 2016

The U.S. Flagpole Lightings

By Steve Niks


If you're flying the U.S. Flag at night it should be lit. Illumination is out of respect to the Flag of the United States and to be able to view the stars and stripes in the dark from a distance. Its unfurled banner, which symbolizes the love and pride that we have as a nation, is a poignant reminder of America's greatness and our fortune to live in a country which values freedom above all else. It signifies the commitment made by our fallen comrades who battled bravely to defend the honor of this sacred emblem - our American unity, our power, and our purpose as a nation, and it exemplifies the devotion of our leaders who continue to uphold its promise of liberty, justice and freedom for all.

"It is the 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 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 it's being enveloped in darkness.”

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. 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 spotlight instead.

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. The flag endearingly referred to as "Old Glory," represents all people of America. We, the people, are America. It is little wonder that the people of America are moved when saluting the flag is it passes by, reminding us that we are a part of this great land. We are "one nation under God."

However, there is a barrage of cheap flagpole lightings being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported stuff is cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flagpole lightings made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flags and flagpole lightings offered a special edition of solar powered flagpole lightings to provide innovative solutions for individual projects.




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