Illuminating the flag at night - neighbor complains

A1C Markus Frank — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:22:33 -0500

I am flying the flag at the front of my house 24/7. I installed a dedicated light to illuminate the flag.

A year ago my neighbor asked me not to illuminate the flag, as the reflection of the light of the flag was shining into their bathroom and disturbed them when getting up during the night. I informed them of the flag code, and the respect and deeper meaning the flag has for all military personnel.

They said they were renovating/remodeling... so - with regret - I turned off the flag light from midnight on.... for 6 months. I offered them to pay for dark curtains.

The flag light shines directly into my bedroom window.... I got a dark curtain and that was enough to ensure darkness in my bedroom... (the flag light has a 25 watt halogen bulb).

After now illuminating the flag again for a few months, I received this message: "hey markus. could u please turn off your flag spotlight later at nite? it is really harsh in our bathroom in the middle of the nite. I hate to ask but we can't put a curtain up in the window as it's in the shower!! after 11: seem reasonable? ty so much"

My answer: "I thought you were done with the remodel months ago. .. So sorry to hear that it still disturbs you. I had already put a lower power bulb inside. It is the least powerful can find. I could try paint the lamp's glass... To reduce the light even more. or I could paint/pay for blackening your window.
Do you have any other idea/solution...? "

They still complain....

Do you have any advice? What is your opinion in regards to illuminating the flag?

Thank you

Markus

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 1:39 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:39:07 -0500

Well how much illumination are we talking about here?

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Nov 18 at 2014 1:42 AM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:42:10 -0500

Tell them to suck it up and get over it. What's the difference between illuminating the flag and having motion sensored lights on your garage. Is the light shining in their window? If it is then maybe a bulb with a lower watt can be used.

Response by A1C Markus Frank made Nov 18 at 2014 2:01 AM

A1C Markus Frank — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 02:01:34 -0500

Do you know of any legal precedents?

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 14 at 2015 1:11 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:11:57 -0400

Honestly and not to sound like an ass, I think your neighbors are being stupid. If its the window in the shower then its not a big window and its not like that light is illuminating their whole bathroom.
I hope you don't have to end up in court over this because its a very silly argument they have.
Good luck with this.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 14 at 2015 1:17 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:17:39 -0400

I can understand trying to be a good neighbor but this is absurd. I guess you could move the flag to a different part of the house if you still want to play nice.