Speakout

Are lights on flags required?

Hello America, hello southeast Missouri. I have flag question. I know they say if you put the American flag out you have to have a light. And you have certain times they are at half staff. It seems like every other day they are at half staff. We have flags all over our street, and I have one in my yard today too, and I’m proud of it. When did the law change or somebody from one of these organizations tell me that they don’t have to have lights out there on each one? Did they amend the law at one time or another? I’m curious. Thank you. God bless America.

The Flag Code states “The flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.” Dr. Whitney Smith, a recognized expert (vexillologist) on the US Flag and flag etiquette has said: “The Flag Code does not spell out ‘proper illumination’ but common sense suggests that ambient lighting adequately meets the requirement when the colors of the flag can be seen.”