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.

Early morning light silhouettes the Marine Corps War Memorial and the Washington Monument. Base: Rosslyn State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Illustration of US marine in front of the USA flag. Illustration of US marine

World War II Memorial in washington DC USA at National Mall

Soldier as represented by a green plastic model waving an American Flag - path included

Flags flown as a tribute to the hostages being held in Iran in March 1980 in Sharon, PA.

110527-N-KB563-085LAE, Papua New Guinea (May 27, 2011) Information Systems Technician Seaman Dayne Kimmet, left, and Seaman Richard Valdez wait to perform evening colors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) during Pacific Partnership. Pacific Partnership is a five-month humanitarian assistance initiative that completed its mission in Tonga and Vanuatu, is in Papua New Guinea, and will visit Timor Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

sleeves weapon in a hands sleeves weapon in a hands ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/AleksandrxKichiginx 9981700 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

108th Wing Airmen practice prior to the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. The Military Review is a 130-year-old tradition that allows the governor as commander-in-chief to review the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard.

110521-N-VE240-036PORT O'CONNOR, Texas (May 20, 2011) An American flag flies from a fire truck in observance of Warrior Weekend 2011. More than 250 wounded service members traveled to Port O'Connor, Texas to participate in fishing, poker and other events.

The Marine Corps War Memorial shows the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima in World War II, Washington DC Based on picture by Joe Rosenthal. Statue finished in 1954

Signal flags fly aboard the destroyer tender USS PUGET SOUND (AD 38). Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

03115-M-0857S-047. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS/ YPG

Airmen from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing raise the American flag on May 26, 2022, outside of the main gate at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The flagpoles usually fly flags from each of the 50 states, but the state flags are replaced with American flags for select holidays.

220912-N-IW125-1121 KEY WEST, Fla. (Sep 12, 2022) U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Selectees and Naval Air Station Key West Fire Department host a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at NAS Key Wests Boca Chica Field Sep. 12, 2022. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations.

The U.S. flag is shown set at half staff Dec. 7, 2022, at the installation flagpole at Fort McCoy, Wis., in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

Washington, D.C. Area, Arlington, Virginia, Marine Corps War Memorial, Also Known As The Iwo Jima Memorial

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-122-132. Hurricane Katrina

NASA acting administrator Steve Jurczyk raises the Crew-2 flag near the countdown clock at Kennedy Space Centers Press Site on April 24, 2021. NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 mission launched NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough, spacecraft commander; NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, pilot; ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, mission specialist; and JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, mission specialist, to the International Space Station on April 23. Liftoff, from the Florida spaceports Launch Complex 39A, was at 5:49 a.m. EDT. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour docked to the space station on April 24, at 5:08 a.m. EDT.

Army Ranger from Special Troops Battalion wearing U.S. flag on his shoulders.

A beam is being lifted to be put into a building during a topping out ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. This ceremony commemorated the final beam being placed at the new 2nd Marine Logistics Group headquarters building being built in the French Creek area of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

NA, USA, Colorado, Denver. Civil War monument and US flag; patriotism

A color guard team prepares to post the colors at the start of the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument.In conjunction with Buffalo Soldiers Day (June 28), Fort Leavenworth hosted a ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument.Learn more at: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/about/visitor-information/attractions/buffalo-soldier-commemorative-area

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 9, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman places an American flag on Stribling Walk. Midshipmen placed 2,977 American flags on Stribling Walk to honor the lives lost on 9/11. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

DN-ST-88-03390. Country: Japan (JPN)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. City downtown Memorial Wall with messages at bombing site on April 1995

John Brutzman, the substance abuse prevention coordinator for the Vermont National Guard, plants flags in front of the Vermont Veterans Memorial at Camp Johnson, Vermont, on Sept. 8, 2022. Brutzman, a native of Montclair, New Jersey, also serves as a suicide prevention coordinator.

030201-N-4308O-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

040704-M-1103B-037. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011004-A-8510M-014. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Camp Comanche Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

military forces, patriotism, recruitment and national service concept - close up of american flag, passport and military badge

Military monument to fallen solider seen amongst red buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Southern Utah near Arizona border

V for Victory. World War Two propaganda postcard, featuring the Star Spangled Banner (Stars and Stripes Flag of the United States of America) and the word 'Victory' with each letter featuruing an element of the US Military. The card also features the morse codes symbols for the letter 'v'. 1941

Marines from 1st Battalion 9th Marines march in the Larchmont Memorial Day parade, May 24, as part of Fleet Week New York 2012. Fleet Week has been New York's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an unparalleled opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

United States Navy Official Specifications Flag, Closeup View. United States Navy Official Specifications Flag Closeup

A presentation of colors opened a ceremony Nov. 1 on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. During the joint ceremony, the Spaceport Integration Team and its partners were presented with the prestigious 2017 Pulaski Award and a new memorial marker was dedicated. The multi-agency team includes representatives from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's 45th Space Wing, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Florida Forest Service and Brevard County Fire Rescue. The memorial marker honors two fallen firefighters, Scott Maness and Beau Sauselein, who died fighting a wildfire on space center property in 1981. Held outdoors, the ceremony was attended by 140 guests.

Loved ones of a crew member aboard the hospital ship USNS MERCY (T-AH-19) display an American flag on the pier as the vessel comes into view. The MERCY is returning to San Francisco after being deployed in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: San Francisco Bay State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEACE THROUGH READINESS. ARMED FORCES DAY 1994. In honor of the 44th Anniversary when President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration was a result of the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Historic Fort McHenry, birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the USA.

US Army Boxer Eric Prindle acknowledges the praise of the crowd during opening ceremonies at this year's US Armed Forces Boxing Competition at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on February 9th, 2001. Base: Fort Huachuca State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, Kansas. In Memory of 9/11/2001

Tech. Sgt. Mark Henry, 8th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of investigations, carries a Prisoner of War and Missing in Action flag during a ruck event at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 7, 2022. During the event, several service members from various squadrons took turns holding the POW/MIA flag.

Military members and families of the 184 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack at the Pentagon sit in attendance of the 21st 9/11 Pentagon Observance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Three officers with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Police Department fly a special U.S. flag over Fort McCoy, Wis., on June 24, 2022. The flag flying was at the request of Fort McCoy Police Chief Brian Bomstein. The flag has also been flown at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and has significance to Army Military Police. "The flag is a tribute to those that lost their lives in terrorist attacks on the United States on 9/11 and to those who fought in Operation Enduring Freedom," Bomstein said. "My intent is to display the flag at the police department now having flown over both Guantanamo Bay and Fort McCoy showing its journey, remembrance of those who lost their lives, those who supported Enduring Freedom, and support for those who continue to protect and defend the United States."

A wreath in memory of the Marine and Navy personnel killed in an explosion on October 23, 1983. The service is being held at the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit headquarters compound. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Capt. Victor Ripley, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, right, briefs Soldiers on their first tour stop at the Battle of Lanzerath Ridge Memorial near the village of Lanzerath, Belgium, June 9, 2022. The memorial marks the site where an 18 Soldier reconnaissance platoon held off an entire German battalion of about 500 paratroopers for just under 20 hours. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Haitians run through the crowd outside the gates of the Presidential Palace in Port au Prince holding a United States flag above their heads on 15 Oct 1994. They are celebrating the return today of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power. U.S. military are in Haiti for Operation Uphold Democracy and Operation Restore Democracy. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

A Connecticut Army National Guard soldier holds up a welcome home sign for a 142nd Area Support Medical Company soldier at the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. Family and friends of service members deployed with the 142nd ASMC took to the tarmac and awaited the arrival of their loved ones returning from a nine month deployment to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The British flag flying over James Fort in Historic Jamestown, Virginia, USA

United States Naval Academy in historic Annapolis, Maryland.

Members of the PACAF Honor Guard display the colors during the National Anthem at the change of command ceremony. The Hickam Freedom Tower is in the background. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. flag is shown set at half staff Dec. 7, 2022, at the installation flagpole at Fort McCoy, Wis., in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II.

010913-F-0201H-001. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NA

Honor the Brave! American Civil war memorial card. 1861- 1865.

State flags were staged for the competitors to grab before they crossed the finish line during an unknown distance ruck march near Lynchburg, Tennessee, July 29, 2022, as part of the National Best Warrior Competition. Carlson and Spc. Nathaniel Miska placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

MOBILE, Ala. (Feb. 23, 2017) The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, perform a parachute demonstration during Navy Week Mobile, Alabama. Navy Week programs serve as the Navy's principal outreach effort in areas of the country without a significant Navy presence.

011207-F-2753C-003. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) conduct walks at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va. on Martin Luther King Jr Day, Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Luther King Jr Day is a federal holiday in the United States that takes place on the third Monday in January. It honors the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing participates in a 9/11 remembrance run at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 12, 2022. The 23rd Force Support Squadron hosted the event to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

. jsc2023e005744 (Jan. 30, 2023) - A SpaceX launch and entry suit bears an American flag, and the name of NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen, who will serve as the commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station. Credit: SpaceX

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

RASEBORG, Finland (May 18, 2022) Flags posted in the courtyard at the Nyland Brigade Headquarters wave in the breeze during a meeting between Capt. Juha Kilpi, commanding officer of the Nyland brigade and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Robert Hallett, deputy commander of Task Force 61/2, May 18, 2022. Task Force 61/2 aligns multiple existing deployed forces under the Naval Amphibious Force commander; deployed amphibious ready groups (ARG), Marine expeditionary units (MEU), and reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance (RXR) forces. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

Postcard of Sailors Spelling America. ca. 1917, Blue Jackies at the US Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois, form themselves into letters spelling 'America' on the parade ground of the station.

Canadian flags laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ottawa Canada.

A beautiful blonde model poses with a vintage WWII aircraft

The 17th Logistics Readiness Squadrons holiday card is displayed on the parade field, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 1, 2022. Units designed holiday cards to compete in the yearly tradition.

of 2