American Flags and Symbolism

A collection of U.S. flags in various conditions and settings, featuring silhouettes of soldiers and historical contexts, evoking patriotism.

Silhouette of a U.S. Army soldier standing on sunset horizon, waving American flag.

USA, Hawaii, Oahu. Old flag flying, windward side

3000 Flags, September 11, 2009, Malibu CA

Silhouette of a saluting U.S. soldier holding national flag against the moonlit night sky.

Crash site of B-18 Bomber on Mount Waternomee in Woodstock, New Hampshire USA. Crashed on January 14, 1942. Out of seven crew members, five survived the crash and were able to remove themselves from the wreckage. The remaining two members died when the plane exploded.

USA, New York, Youngstown. Old Fort Niagara, historic 15 star flag

September 11th remembrance ceremony held in front of NASA Research Park Bldg-17 (Lunar Science Institute) hosted by the American Legion, Post 881, Moffett Field. Flag detail - Lt Randy Vincent - NASA Protective Services, Ty Locatelli, Carlos Pinedo - NASA Fire Department

USA, Louisiana, New Orleans. National World War Two Museum, US flag.

Silhouette of a U.S. Army soldier standing on sunset horizon, waving American flag.

040405-F-5098W-004. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DN-ST-88-04467. Base: Persian Gulf Country: Bahrain (BHR)

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 12, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionall

Famous Iwo Jima memorial in Washington D.C. WASHINGTON, USA - AUGUST 20, 2019: Famous Iwo Jima memorial in Washington D.C., USA Copyright: xZoonar.com/imagoDensx 21722801

A large harbor tug escorts the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) as the ship arrives at the station. The vessel is returning from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing march away from a flagpole after participating in Reveille at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 2, 2022. The 139th is attending their regular scheduled drill, or RSD.

US Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Hugh Regidor, salutes the American flag during morning colors aboard USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) which is anchored off the coast of Antofagasta, Chile, during Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: USS Reuben James (FFG 57)

Digital Composing, American flag, Battle of the Atlantic museum, Camaret-sur-mer, Finistere department, Bretagne, France, Europe

Veteran hand resting on American flag symbolizing patriotism and honor

Members of Team Charleston hold the flag up in honor of fallen Air Force Hero 1st Lt. David Schmitz, a pilot with the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base July 4, 2020 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Two F-16 Fighting Falcons from The 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Joint National Guard Base flew in formation behind the C-17 Globemaster III to honor Schmitz who was recently killed in an F-16 crash at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

Marines stand at parade rest during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Healing Field in Tempe Town Lake, Arizona, Sept. 11, 2015, during Marine Week Phoenix. Marine Week Phoenix is a chance for residents of the greater Phoenix area to connect with Marines, sailors, veterans and their families from different generations.

CHESAPEAKE BAY (Oct. 5, 2016) Sailors haul down the American flag aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) at sunset while the ship loads food, first aid, and medical supplies. Mesa Verde is underway in preparation to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Haiti in response to Hurricane Matthew.

Field of veterans day american flags waving in the breeze

The United States and 2nd Armored Division flags fly during the 101st Airborne memorial ceremony at Carentan, France, June 2, 2022. The liberation memorial honors the 101st Airborne Division, which freed the city of Carentan on June 12, 1944.

3000 Flags, September 11, 2009, Malibu CA

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Devin Radford, 47th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, folds a flag during a Base Honor Guard practice at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Jan. 24, 2023. The American flag is folded in a particular way to symbolize important aspects of the flag and the nation it represents.

190830-N-QI061-2032JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug., 30, 2019) A Sailor assigned to the Freedom-class variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) lowers the American flag as the ship gets underway from Naval Station Mayport as Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet orders all U.S. Navy ships homeported in the area to sortie ahead of Hurricane Dorian, which is forecasted to bring high winds and heavy rain to the East Coast. Ships are being directed to areas in the Atlantic where they are best postured for storm avoidance.

020412-F-4155R-004. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Military uniform with USA Flag and Cap

040617-F-0925M-031. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps War MemorialArlington National CemeteryArlingtonVirginia, USA

Twenty thousand American Flags on the Great Lawn, Louisville, Kentucky, Forth of July

020911-A-4074H-002. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Fireworks bursting behind the Marine Corp Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue).

Joint Base San Antonio hosted a synchronized flag formation at all three installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph) at 7:46 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston. The ceremonies included a flag formation, a moment of silence, an invocation and a speaker. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commander, led the remembrance ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The particular time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.

Silhouette of a soldier giving hand salute while holding American flag, with sunset in background.

Veterans Day protest against the war in Iraq

A bright, loud fireworks display on the 4th of July for Independance Day in Los Angeles, California, USA, North America

A Connecticut resident holds an American flag as the plane carrying the 142nd ASMC taxis into the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. The 142nd ASMC previously spent the past nine months deployed to Poland providing medical care in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

Ceremony at Department of Interior South Building marking adoption by Department employees of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military family members

Field of veterans day american flags waving in the breeze

240216-N-PV534-1038 SAN DIEGO (Feb. 16, 2024) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Jack Pelletier, from Boston, ceremoniously raises the national ensign on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is currently moored pierside at Naval Air Station North Island. Navy

U.S. Marines and Sailors from 2d Marine Division salute during a wreath-laying ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. This ceremony is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in remembrance of the events on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Navy Region Hawaii Honor Guard spread the American flag over a casket during an internment ceremony for U.S. Navy Fire Controlman 2nd Class George Gilbert, 20, of Indianapolis, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI, June 6, 2022. Gilbert was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which sustained fire from Japanese aircraft and multiple torpedo hits causing the ship to capsize and resulted in the deaths of more than 400 crew members on Dec. 7, 1941, at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Gilbert was recently identified through DNA analysis by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency forensic laboratory and laid to rest with full military honors.

DN-ST-88-04482. Base: Persian Gulf Country: Bahrain (BHR)

Two security policeman from the 51st Composite Wing Headquarters, fold the colors during a ceremony marking the activation of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 6170th Combat Support Squadron and the 6151st Consolidated Maintenance Squadron. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (Nov. 5, 2012) Sonar Technician (Surface) Seaman Caroline E. Stacy, left, from Bristol, Ky., and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Judson L. Joyner, from Austin, Texas, lower the national ensign aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as the ship shifts colors to get underway. Winston S. Churchill is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

USA, Indiana, Carmel. The message Support Our Troops partly seen through the American flag.

DF-ST-85-12667. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SOUDA BAY, Greece (March 10, 2013) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) handle line as the ship prepares to depart Souda Bay, Greece, after a port visit. Barry, homeported out of Norfolk, Va., is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

220809-N-QB805-0013 DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (Aug 09, 2022) -- U.S. Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Eleven (MSRON-1) patrols the Gulf of Tadjoura, Aug. 9, 2022. MSRON-1, based at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti provides port andharbor security, high-value asset protection, and maritime security operations in coastal waterways of the Gulf of Tadjoura.

A color guard from the U.S. Navy Honor Guard supports a ceremony commemorating the 125th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Maine, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 15, 2023.On Feb. 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded off the coast of Havana, Cuba, leading to the loss of 260 of her crew. Due to Spanish policy, burials had to be made within 24 hours, therefore the initial crew recovered in the aftermath of the disaster were buried at the Colon Cemetery in Havana. On March 30, 1898, Congress approved a bill authorizing for their remains to be disinterred and transferred to ANC. On Dec. 28, 1899, 165 sets of remains were interred in Section 24 with a full military honors service. The USS Maine was eventually raised, and the ships mast was transported by the Navy to ANC where it was placed next to Section 24 onto a granite base meant to represent the turret of the battleship. The names of those who died aboard the Maine were inscribed onto the base. Sixty-five sets of remai

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Craig Manson, second from left, Secretary Gale Norton, third left, and Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James, fourth left, at Department of Interior South Building event marking adoption by Interior employees of U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities

Field of veterans day american flags waving in the breeze

The Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Virginia, Washington DC. Memorial shows the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima in World War II.

Marine Corps with American flag against clouds

USA, Indiana, Indianapolis. American, POW-MIA, and Marine Corps flags billow in wind.

150725-N-CV785-069CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 25, 2015) - Josh Thurman, from Spring City, Tenn., waves the American flag from the top of his car at the memorial in front of Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Thurman has been driving from his home to the memorial everyday to wave the flag. The memorial honors the four Marines and one Sailor who died in the shooting at Navy Operational Support Center Chattanooga July 16.

060916-N-8547M-028. Country: Unknown

Elevated view of US Flag for Bicentennial of War of 1812 which also feaures Canadian and British flag, USS Constitution Ship and Museum, Freedom Trail, Charlestown, Boston, MA

USA, Virginia, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, (Iwo Jima Memorial), Arlington (Large format sizes available)

BOSTON (May 18, 2018) Fireman Gabriel Lupo, assigned to USS Constitution, climbs the ships mizzenmast during ‘Old Ironsides' underway commemorating the Vietnam War. In coordination with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, the crew of USS Constitution hosted Vietnam veterans as a thank you for their years of service and sacrifice for their country.

000509-F-3050V-030. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2000 Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: United States European Command

Serene Veterans Cemetery: American Flags Wave as Memorial Celebration Honors Those Who Served Generic views of a veterans cemetery on a serene day, featuring American flags fluttering in the breeze as a memorial celebration honors those who served. Copyright: xZoonar.com/WalterxGxArcexSr/GrindstonexMediaxGroup/WalterxArcexPhotographyx 22203480

A Wings of Blue demonstration team member descends to the ground during the air show rehearsal at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 13, 2022. The air show rehearsal provided an opportunity for Department of Defense employees and their families to see the air show and full display the capabilities of Travis AFB.

M16-A2 Service Rifle Qalat Sikar Air Base Irag

Crowds gather at the wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Day at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery May 30, 2022.

070115-N-8158F-017. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 16, 2022) An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91), conducts a fly over of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) during flight operations, Nov. 16, 2022. Roosevelt is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Jurney gives a speech during the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson relinquished his command of the 2d MEB to Col. Nicholas Davis.

Military and civilian leaders stand during the playing of the national anthems of the nine nations that participated in CABANAS 2001. The multinational peacekeeping exercise took place in Salta, Argentina. This exercise is the largest joint and combined service exercise held in the region and it focuses on a variety of N.N. peacekeeping tasks including: tactical troop movement, food distribution, identification and marking of mines, civil-military, security and police operations. Subject Operation/Series: CABANAS 2001 Base: Camp General Belgrano State: Salta Country: Argentina (ARG) Scene Major Command Shown: SOCSOUTH

Replica of Iwo Jima statue near National Museum of the Marine Corps at the entrance to the Quantico Marine Corps Base, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA

020911-A-7315T-008. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Skydivers of the Flying Leathernecks, descend to initiate the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for unique professionals to perform for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

Joint Base San Antonio hosted a synchronized flag formation at all three installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph) at 7:46 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston. The ceremonies included a flag formation, a moment of silence, an invocation and a speaker. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commander, led the remembrance ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The particular time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.

IWO JIMA MEMORIAL WASHINGTON MONUMENT US CAPITOL BUILDING AT DAWN ARLINGTON VA USA

American flag at backlight, Fort Zachary Taylor historic state park, Key West, Florida, USA, North America

The Run for the Fallen lead vehicle drives into the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) compound after Volunteers run multiple miles around Fort Carson Garrison on September 9, 2022. 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) hosted Run for the Fallen Colorado and paid special tribute and honors to those 10th SFG(A) Fallen Soldiers as well as those lost on September 11, 2001.

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue), Arlington, Va. , Monuments & memorials, Tichnor Brothers Collection, postcards of the United States

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 15, 2021) Seaman Jardin Keyser, from Suffolk, Va., conducts watch stander duties aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). Halsey is attached to Commander, Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5 conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Marine Corps War Memorial shows the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima in World War II, Washington DC statue finished in 1954. Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and US Capitol in the background.

Lone US flag and its shadow in the desert.

CIA agent isolated over United States flag combating organized crime and terrorism using detection system on notebook. American officer protecting territorial integrity by tracking terrorists

030322-N-4309A-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Crew members of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) visit the USS ARIZONA (BB-39) Memorial on the 43rd anniversary of the Japanese attack. A flag flies at half-mast in memory of the event. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The American flag is hoisted above the Fort McCoy, Wis., historic Commemorative Area on July 14, 2022, for the Fort McCoy Garrison Change of Command ceremony at the installation. The flag served as a backdrop to the outdoor ceremony that was held in front of Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Commemorative Area. The historic area has become a favorite location for military ceremonies at Fort McCoy. The flag was raised and prepared by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department.

110117-N-0569K-012ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 17, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Mason (DDG 87) is underway with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

For the members of the Idaho Patriot Guard Riders Memorial Day is a weekly remembrance. The Patriot Guard Riders are a national organization with state chapters spread out in regional areas. The PGR creed is simple - Standing for those who stood for us. In Idaho, the PGR is often present at the committal services for active duty members of the military, members of the Idaho National Guard, and Veterans that take place at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in the foothills of Boise and communities throughout Idaho. Boise PGR members often ride or drive at their own expense to services for veterans in eastern Idaho, about a 3 - 4 hour drive from Boise. Some PGR members are veterans, some not. Their common bond is reverence for those who have served their nation through military service or as first responders. PGR presence at services in Idaho is by invitation or request of family. According to Mr. James Earp, Bureau Chief at the State of Idaho Veterans Cemetery the PG

A memorial ceremony was conducted at the Alpine Border Patrol Station to reflect and honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 on the 21 anniversary of the event Sept. 11, 2022. Alpine Station has a direct connection to the terrorist attacks on 9/11 as there was a ground-breaking ceremony that fateful day for the station building. 10 years after the event a memorial using a large peice of steel from the World Trade Center Towers was erected and now stands as a reminder of the importance of Customs and Border Protection's mission to keep America safe from future attacks.

A view of the Marine Corps Memorial. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

American NATO operative uses laptop to analyze surveillance data, standing isolated over USA flag background. Soldier engaged in geopolitical operation, protecting United States borders

Marines and Poolees from across the state of Arizona participate in a 9/11 memorial run on Sept. 10, 2022, at Bell Bank Park, Mesa, Arizona. The run was to remember and honor all those who were affected by the terror attacks, 21 years ago.

The Navy Jewish Worship Pennant flies over the U.S. flag on the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Sept. 27, 2022. Religious service pennants are the only pennants or flags that fly above the national ensign and only during religious services. Ford is underway in Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

Family members of fallen service members and supportive community members launch homemade memorial lanterns onto Merritt Lake

PEARL HARBOR (April 21, 2013) Airman Justin Frisbie, from Van, Texas, hoist the Navy jack on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is returning from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Airmen from the 422d Air Base Group honor guard, hold a flag at the table top position during a 9/11 retreat ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, Sep. 9, 2022. Airmen and guests participated in the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, MD

F-14A Tomcat aircraft fly in formation over a ship's superstructure which displays the national ensign and the command pennant of a rear admiral. Country: Unknown

of 2