60 American Flag Pictures That Will Make You Feel Patriotic
Updated: May 02, 2023Because every heart beats true under red, white and blue
Incredible American flag pictures that fill you with pride
Grand Prize winner: Patriot project
“Shortly after his deployment to Afghanistan, my younger brother was wounded in an enemy rocket attack. I decided to create a photo essay to honor him and all those who have served. I photograph people with the Stars and Stripes and ask them what the flag means to them. Pictured here is retired Marine Robert Frazier, running across his family’s cornfield in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He, and I, are very proud of this country.” —Kate Magee, Richmond, Virginia. Don’t forget to read up on proper American flag etiquette.
Flying proudly in the heartland
This photo captures a beautiful image of the stars and stripes. How many of these American flag facts do you know?
A powerful symbol
This beautiful display of red, white, and blue is truly a sight to see. Now, can you pass this tricky American flag quiz?
Flag in a droplet
“From my desk on the 22nd floor of my office in Philadelphia, I have an incredible view of the flag on the roof of the building across the street. I snapped this photo two years ago on a rainy day in April. When I went to edit it on my phone, I noticed that each raindrop was tinted with red, white, and blue. The complete American flag is reflected—reversed and upside down—in the center drop.” —Ashleigh Rockey, Kirklyn, Pennsylvania. This looks like something you’d see in a 4th of July movie!
The stars and stripes lit up
Proof that even if you don’t have an actual flag, you can still proudly display America’s colors. Don’t forget to add these 4th of July songs to your playlist.
A spark of patriotism
Here’s to celebrating the USA! And here’s everything you need to know about 4th of July fireworks.
Freedom: sweet as pie
Who knew the red, white, and blue could look so delicious? Here are some of the best patriotic 4th of July recipes you can whip up for your cookout.
At attention
“After a windstorm last July, the flag in front of our home got flipped up and stuck on the flagpole. My boyfriend, an Air Force veteran, went outside to untangle it. About 15 minutes later, I realized he was still there, admiring the flag and watching the cars go by. I grabbed my camera and took this photo from our kitchen window. My boyfriend had no idea until he came inside, but now he thinks it’s just as idyllic as I do.” —Michele Garrant, Mooers Forks, New York
America the beautiful
Let freedom ring! Here are some great destinations to check out for a last-minute Memorial Day trip or a 4th of July weekend getaway.
A sea of stars and stripes
True symbols of American pride. Test your history knowledge by seeing how many of these 4th of July trivia facts you know.
Long may it wave
“When I arrived at the Washington Monument on a photography trip in September 2014, I had a certain idea: to shoot straight up the monument and toward the sky. But after seeing the circle of 50 flags that surrounds the bottom of the structure, I decided I wanted a shot from the base of a flagpole. I revisited the site about four times throughout the day to find an hour when the sun did not conflict with the photo. In the end, I took just one picture. This was it.” —Patrick Trepp, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Stones and stripes
“On a cloudy morning walk along the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior last July, my husband, my father, and I spotted this configuration of colorful rocks in the sand. I felt moved that someone had created such a distinct display of patriotism. And because my son had just completed four years of service in the U.S. Army, it meant that much more. The beach was empty on this day, but we left the arrangement undisturbed for others to enjoy as well.” —Julie Bishop, Weatherford, Texas
Soaking in the red, white, and blue
This has to be one of the most unique American flag pictures out there! Don’t forge to bookmark this list of the best 4th of July fireworks display in each state.
The American flag shines through
A beautiful day to fly the American flag. By the way, do you know the difference between the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?
Memorial Day
“This flag flies over the honor roll memorial marker on the west side of my town’s historic courthouse in Hamilton County, Indiana. I took this photo just before Memorial Day a few years ago, and I loved the curved angle that the bottom edge of the flag made as it folded in on itself after a gust of wind. The flag quietly honors our heroes—the men and women who earned the freedom that I enjoy.” —Andrew Schmidt, Noblesville, Indiana
The family barn
“Nothing reflects our country’s history better than Old Glory and old barns. On a bitterly cold winter’s day, I decided to hang this 8-foot-wide flag on our decades-old barn in Cool Ridge, West Virginia. The sun came out briefly during a break in the storm and lit the barn up from behind. This image was the result.” —Lynn Carr, Cool Ridge, West Virginia
The pup of allegiance
A loyal dog sticking by the red, white, and blue! This American flag picture is paws-itively adorable.
A remote flag
“Contrasted with this young man’s back, the flag becomes a symbol more important than any one person’s identity. It eclipses race and gender to become an image of something greater than each of us as individuals.” —Bredt Bredthauer, Temple, Texas
Neighborhood flags
Waving with pride on American homes. Looking for some Independence Day humor? These 4th of July jokes will do the trick.
Back at the base
“This photo symbolizes the support of military families for our country. It also shows the love these two have for one another.” —Riza Medina, Mountain Home, Idaho
Standout stars and stripes
“I took this photo of an American flag beach towel at a breezy park where driftwood is born. The flag looks so beautiful against the tree and the ocean.” —Mary McCarey, Tamarac, Florida
America’s bright future
This is one of those American flag pictures that’s truly inspirational. These graduation quotes are inspiring too.
More color to accompany the red, white, and blue
The stars, stripes, and flowers—what more can you ask for?
United in freedom
“The land in Idaho where we live is pristine, with a large number of animals. Forest fires are common in the late summer months. The Wesley Fire that occurred in 2012 threatened the entire valley. Using our pond water to fight the fire, we felt compelled to show support for the resources used to protect us. I saddled my horse Moonshadow and rode parallel with the helicopter, proudly flying the American flag. The crew of the Sky Crane responded with their siren, and at that moment I had the clear understanding of the pride in being an American.” —Susan Schaffer, New Meadows, Idaho
A truly shining sea
“I took this photo in the Atlantic Ocean on top of the sail of the USS Norfolk, a U.S. nuclear-powered fast attack submarine on its final mission prior to inactivation in 2015. I am a U.S. Navy submariner who truly enjoys the opportunity to defend this great nation.” —Michael Dlabaj, Kittery, Maine
Wrapped in comfort
“Wrapped in the ‘flag blanket‘ reminded me of the many virtues symbolized by our flag.” —Mark Greenberg, Leawood, Kansas
Nature’s beauty
“My husband is a Vietnam veteran. This American flag is one of four flags that are proudly displayed over Lake Crescent, with the Olympic Mountains in the background. We display the American flags as a symbol of our love, loyalty, and respect for America.” —Karen Jensen, Port Angeles, Washington
A flag among flowers
One of the American flag pictures that shows two beautiful sights in a window box.
Made in the USA
And proudly displayed in the yard! Here are some 4th of July crafts anyone can make.
Pride in paint
“My nephew, who recently retired from a 24-year Army Reserve career, moved back on the farm where he was raised. He decided to restore an old shed. With just the upper left hand portion of the shed remaining to be painted, a thought struck him: ‘I wonder if I could create a flag on that remaining section?’ Here is the final project, with his grandsons Aiden and Jaxson.” —Margaret Yost, Etters, Pennsylvania
Watching in wonder
“Staring up at our beautiful flag never fails to fill me with pride. I love how the fireworks illuminate the flag, gracefully waving in the breeze.” —Merry Carter, Feasterville Trevose, Pennsylvania
The stars and stripes go plastic
Talk about a unique American flag picture! How long do you think it took to put this solo cup flag together?
Paying his respects
“These American flags represented thousands of Louisiana soldiers who had given their lives for our magnificent country. My two-and-a-half-year-old grandson was in awe of so many flags. He reached to straighten a leaning flag. That was the moment I captured and could internalize those Louisiana soldiers who gave their lives so that my little grandson could walk freely as an American citizen.” —Charlanne Cress, Zachary, Louisiana
Silent guardian
“While respectfully facing the nearest flag, as the start of the workday Colors played, I thought I spotted a bald eagle sharing this honorable tribute with me. When I could zoom in on the image, I realized (with goosebumps) that I was witnessing two of the country’s most enduring symbols in one single frame.” —Michael Nyikes, Suffolk, Virginia
Next, read up on surprising United States trivia your history teachers never taught you.
