The American flag stands tall and proud as the symbol of our nation's unity, freedom, and identity. Flying the flag on a flagpole is a common sight throughout the country, whether it's at government buildings, schools, businesses, or private residences. However, displaying the flag comes with a responsibility – taking the extra step to ensure it is appropriately illuminated is crucial. Take a look at some of the common methods to properly light up the American Flag.

Flagpole-mounted Lights: The StarGazer

Flagpole-mounted lights are fixtures specifically designed to attach to the flagpole itself. Our recommendation for the best flagpole lighting is the StarGazer. The StarGazer is a patented top down light that efficiently lights the flag from top down, rather than from the bottom up. The StarGazer is also the only Dark Sky Compliant flagpole downlight, which is designed to reduce light pollution so we can better enjoy the stars and constellations at night. With this new downlight technology, not only is your flag beautifully lit, but the surrounding walkways are also illuminated for bypassers.

In-Ground Lights

In-ground lights are an effective way to illuminate the American flag on a flagpole. These fixtures are installed directly into the ground around the base of the pole. They cast light upward, creating a dramatic effect that highlights the flag's colors and design. In-ground lights are often low-voltage LED fixtures, which are energy-efficient and provide long-lasting illumination. These can be ideal for high-trafficked areas.

Above-Ground Lights

Very similar to in-ground lights, above-ground lights are fixtures that sit on the ground and maximize upward light to provide a consistent light source to your flag. The difference is, rather than being installed below ground, these fixtures are placed above ground.

For both above-ground and in-ground lights, we recommend that the placement of the lights is based on the size of the largest flag(s) being flown. It is recommended that those fixtures be placed half the flag length of the largest flag. For example, if one is to fly a 6x10 flag, it is recommended that the fixture be placed 5 feet away from the pole.

In addition, the amount of fixtures for in-ground or above-ground will depend on the amount of competing light sources. The more light sources around your flagpole, the fewer fixtures needed.

The Importance of Properly Lighting the American Flag

Whether using flagpole-mounted lights, like the StarGazer, in-ground lights, or above-ground lights, the key is to ensure the flag is visible and adequately illuminated at all times because according to the U.S. Flag Code, it is essential to display the flag "from sunrise to sunset." If the flag is displayed at night, it MUST be properly illuminated as a way to show respect and honor for the symbol of our nation!

Properly lighting the American flag on a flagpole is more than just a matter of following the flag code; it is a statement of the values and respect for the nation we hold dear to our hearts. As we light up the flag, we illuminate the spirit of the United States of America!