Spotlight of flag protocol

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how to keep your flags properly illuminated throughout the night. 

Flags are more than just colorful fabric, they are symbols for people and ideals. Take the United States’ flag, which was carefully designed with a star for every state and a stripe for each of the original colonies. Even the classic red, white and blue has a deeper meaning, “The color red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice. The color blue signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. The color white stands for purity and innocence.”

Because of the deep meaning behind flags like the star-spangled banner, many countries (including the U.S.) have developed flag codes and protocols that outline the respectful and proper way to display the symbol of their people. Some protocols that are commonly included in these codes include either taking flags down when it becomes dark or making sure they are properly illuminated through the dark hours. 

So, how do you properly illuminate a flag through the night? The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) has a couple easy tips and tricks to help you keep your flag shining bright through the night! 

• Have the right amount of light: There are countless options for lighting available in today’s market. It’s important to use the right lighting products for each unique situation, otherwise you can run into unexpected hiccups. For example, AOLP has noticed that “flags are often illuminated with HID (high-intensity discharge) lighting and wide-angle floods like 500 or more-watt metal halide lighting when they don’t need to be.” At first glance, this might seem like just simple overkill, but it also can contribute to sky glow light pollution which comes with a variety of negative effects on people and animals. 
• Light with intention: In addition to not using an overpowered light, it's important to plan out the lighting system carefully. According to flag protocol, the flag itself needs to be lit, but the flagpole does not have to be. Because of this, AOLP recommends using a narrow beam of light. They explained, “Most people will use a large flood light for a flag when they simply need to use a spotlight instead. You don’t want to flood the entire area to illuminate the flag; you want to spotlight the flag.” 

Overall, flags should be treated with respect in accordance to their relevant flag code/protocol. Peter Kirkwood, protocol officer at The International Center, put it simply, “Flags aren’t decoration, they’re symbols that are used to represent people or countries.” For many places, treating those symbols with respect means keeping the light on them.  

To learn more about illuminating a flag at night, check out the whole article from AOLP.