Flag Lighting Requirements
Flag-raising and lowering ceremonies might lead some to believe a U.S. flag may only be flown during daylight hours. However, the law does not restrict flying the flag between dawn and dusk. Rather, it calls for properly lighting a flag that is flown after sunset.
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History
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Francis Scott Key composed the words of the National Anthem during the War of 1812 after viewing the U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore following 25 hours of bombardment by English forces. The emotions of his words describing the sight of the flag "by the dawn's early light" are symbolized by the lighted displays of the American flag today. In 1972, President Nixon issued Presidential Proclamation No 4131, which authorized flags at points of entry to be flown at night with illumination. He stated, "I believe it is appropriate that returning citizens and visitors from other countries be welcomed by our flag whether they arrive at their ports of entry by day or night."
Custom
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Flying the flag only during daylight hours follows custom rather than law. The custom serves to preserve the dignity of the flag by not allowing it to be enveloped in darkness. With proper lighting, the flag is kept from darkness and shown respect.
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Use of Floodlights
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Floodlights trained on the flag offer appropriate lighting. They may illuminate the flag from ground level or from above. Fixtures turned on and off with light sensors provide the most energy efficient illumination. Fixtures that remain on around the clock meet the requirement as well. Timers to control the lighting should be closely monitored to accommodate shifts in the length of the day throughout the year.
Caution
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Only an all-weather flag should be flown when the possibility of inclement weather exists. Subjecting an inappropriate flag to poor weather conditions indicates a lack of respect and results in destruction of or damage to the flag.
Applicable Laws
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Chapter 1 of Title 4 United States Code (4 USC Title 4 ) outlines the acceptable use and display of the American flag. Section 6 addresses illuminating the flag in order to fly it during hours of darkness.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit american flag blowing in the night breeze image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
