a retired Marine runs across his family’s cornfield in Harrisonburg, Virginia holding an american flag above his head
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.
Two people wrapped in an American flag blanket stand on grass, with cars and trees in the background.
Wrapped in comfort
“Wrapped in the ‘flag blanket’ reminded me of the many virtues symbolized by our flag.” —Mark Greenberg, Leawood, Kansas
Flag waves on a deck overlooking a serene lake, surrounded by mountains and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
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
sunlit american flag at the Bolivar ferry landing
We remember
“This photo was taken at the Bolivar ferry landing during the month of November, 2015, after the Paris terrorist attack. As you can see, the sun shining behind the flag created the image of a cross.” —Patrick Jackson, Crystal Beach, Texas
a young boy stands among a field of american flags and reaches to adjust one that is leaning; Zachary, Louisiana
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
A person with an umbrella walks across a wet plaza, with red chairs and tables, in front of an illuminated American flag display.
America in lights
Look at the stars and stripes shine!
A soldier in camouflage holds a child’s hand. The child is holding a small American flag, outdoors near a building.
A guiding hand
This American flag photo shows two things a soldier defends: family and freedom.
Man sits at diner counter, wearing vest displaying «USA,» «U.S. Air Force,» and a large American flag, with condiments nearby.
Serving the American flag
A reminder that all gave some, but some gave all for the stars and stripes.
A small American flag stands in a flower box overflowing with vibrant red and white flowers, beneath a window on a red brick wall.
A flag among flowers
One of the American flag pictures that shows two beautiful sights in a window box.
A flag hangs, displaying stars and stripes against a sunset sky with silhouetted trees in the background.
Patriotic sunset
“I snapped this photo of the flag that flies at my home. The splendor of our American flag, gently unfurling as the sun set behind it, created a serene ending to the day.” —Kelli Druckemiller, McClure, Pennsylvania
a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue precision parachute team floats through the clear blue skies above Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscan, Arizona with an american flag
Flying at new heights
“We all looked to the skies with pride, respect and admiration as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue precision parachute team floated through the clear blue skies above Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscan, Arizona.” —Beth Holt, Box Elder, South Dakota
Flags wave gently in the wind against a clear blue sky, with sunlight and greenery in the background.
Waving in the wind
A patriotic sight any American can appreciate.
Painted wooden pallet resembling an American flag, leaning against a wire fence, with a windmill and trees in the grassy background.
Made in the USA
And proudly displayed in the yard!
Flag waves gently, showcasing blue with white stars and red stripes, suggesting close-up patriotic imagery.
The American flag up close
You can see the stitching of the stars and stripes in this American flag photo.
Two children are saluting a large American flag painted on a red barn wall, wearing winter clothes in an outdoor setting.
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
A dog rests peacefully on a person’s lap, wrapped in a flag, with the person’s hand gently caressing its head.
Cuddling with Old Glory
That’s one patriotic small pup!
American flags wave on a long fence bordering a stone wall by a road, under a partly cloudy blue sky in an urban area.
American flags lining the street
That’s a lot of red, white and blue.
Fireworks burst overhead; a person watches beneath an American flag and trees, with smoke in the night sky.
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
Red, white, and blue cups form a waving American flag shape against clear sky, attached to a wire grid.
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?
American flag rests on car dashboard, while a desert highway stretches towards scenic rocky hills under a partly cloudy sky.
America on the dash
This flag gets to see its country from a different perspective.
An American flag flutters on a car’s trunk in a crowded parking lot, with trees and people in the background.
A classic look for an iconic flag
Even though this American flag photo is in black and white, the spirit of the red, white and blue comes through!
A golden retriever holds a small American flag in its mouth, sitting in a room with a white brick wall and light wood floor.
Smiling with Old Glory
The stars and stripes are in good paws!
close up on the top of a waving american flag to see a bald eagle sitting at the top of a tree in the background
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
Man leans from corrugated metal porch, wearing a cowboy hat. American flag waves above him in a sunlit, rustic setting with greenery behind.
Flying proudly in the heartland
This American flag photo captures a beautiful image of the stars and stripes.
Painted American flag decorates a weathered barn wall, surrounded by fallen leaves, under a cloudy sky with a rooftop weather vane.
A powerful symbol
This beautiful display of red, white and blue is truly a sight to see.
a view of the city of Philadelphia and an american flag through a window with droplets of rain
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
Silhouette holding umbrella walks past large illuminated American flag display at night, with reflective wet pavement below.
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.
A sparkler emits bright sparks in front of an American flag backdrop, featuring visible stars and stripes.
A spark of patriotism
Celebrate the USA by proudly displaying your American flag. You may even want to share a few patriotic quotes too.
Pie decorated with blueberries, strawberries, and pastry stars; resembling an American flag, placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freedom: sweet as pie
This American flag photo shows that red, white and blue can look delicious.
flag-contest-window
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
An American flag waves on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast, tree-covered valley and river, with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
America the beautiful
Let freedom ring! This American flag photo reminds us to book a 4th of July weekend vacations.
Numerous small American flags are densely clustered together, standing upright on wooden sticks in an outdoor setting.
A sea of stars and stripes
Here’s an American flag photo that shows the true symbols of American pride. You can test your pride by seeing how many 4th of July trivia facts you know.
the washington monument in washington, dc, as seen from the base of one of the flag poles. an american flag waves below a blue sky dotted with fluffly clouds
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
an array of rocks in the sand along the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior create the image of an american flag
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
Person floating underwater, wearing a red swimsuit, against a backdrop of an American flag. The scene features rippling water effects above.
Soaking in the red, white and blue
This has to be one of the most unique American flag pictures out there!
The American flag waves with sunlight shining through, surrounded by a partly cloudy sky.
The American flag shines through
A beautiful day to fly the American flag.
an upward view of an american flag draped in a gentle curl around its flagpole outside the historic courthouse in Hamilton County, Indiana
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
a large american flag waves on the side of a red barn in a snowy landscape in Cool Ridge, West Virginia
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
American flag waves over sandy beach with starfish patterns.
Stars and sand
Move over, starfish—we’re looking for different kinds of stars on this beach.
Orange moon rising over trees; American flag waves against a dark night sky.
America over the moon
Don’t be fooled by this American flag image—there are 50 stars in this night sky.
A fluffy dog sits on grass, in front of a wooden wall with a painted American flag, beside a rustic barn door.
The pup of allegiance
A loyal dog sticking by the red, white and blue! This American flag picture is paws-itively adorable.
a figure braves the wind to gaze upon an american flag with mountains in the background
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
Names etched on a reflective monument; American flags subtly mirrored; trees and sky enhance the patriotic scene.
Reflections of glory
“The memorial is both a visual and auditory experience. The sight of so many American flags is striking, but the whipping sound they make in the wind is unreal.” —Sandra Miller, Buckhannon, West Virginia
An American flag flutters on a pole against a backdrop of shimmering ocean and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
From sea to shining sea
In this American flag photo, the stars and stripes take to the sea!
American flags flutter on residential porches, flanked by green shrubs and leafy trees lining a suburban street.
Neighborhood flags
Waving with pride on American homes. Share this American flag photo with your family, along with these 4th of July jokes.
Child holding small American flag, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.
A small hand holds the flag
Here’s an American flag photo that shows an adorable glimpse into America’s future.
portrait of a couple holding the american flag around themselves standing in a landscape at sunset
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
an american flag draped on some driftwood on a beach in florida
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
An American flag hangs above blue-painted building, partially draped. Two metal balconies are visible, with shadows cast by sunlight.
A stark comparison
“The blue of the building was bright and beautiful. The flag looked very weary and sad. It was a hard time in my life. In the flag, I saw empathy and felt comfort.” —Carol Stroll, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
American flag hangs on a porch with three vintage rocking chairs and white wooden siding.
A patriotic porch companion
Hanging out with the red, white and blue.
Graduates wear red caps and gowns, facing an American flag on a sunny day with blue sky and scattered clouds.
America’s bright future
This is one of those American flag pictures that’s truly inspirational. Although we have to admit, these graduation quotes are inspiring too.
A barn displays an American flag, surrounded by a white fence and a golden wheat field, with mountains in the distant background.
For purple mountain majesties
The American flag hangs with pride in the mountains.
a wind tattered american flag lit from behind by the sun waves vibrantly against the blue of the sky
Grand ol’ flag
“I was on a location scout for a movie in Montana, and we stopped by a small general store in a tiny town. There was a tall makeshift flagpole with an old, worn but still vibrant American flag on it, flying proudly in the wind.” —Phill Matarrese, Alameda, California
American flags stand in rows, illuminated by a low sun, amidst fallen autumn leaves and trees, in a residential neighborhood.
Proudly standing in the park
The sun sets soundly on the stars and stripes.
Child holds American flag, running joyfully across grassy field with the sun setting behind, creating a warm, glowing atmosphere.
Freedom flying across the field
One of the best (and cutest) American flag pictures we’ve seen!
a multiple exposure image of an american flag waving against a blue sky
Stripes at every angle
“I chose this image because I believe it symbolizes freedom for all and represents the many aspects of freedom we have in this country that we should always remember.” —Ruthann Greene, Meridian, Idaho
Colorful tulips grow in rows beneath a waving American flag against a bright, partly cloudy sky.
More color to accompany the red, white and blue
The stars, stripes and flowers—all in one American flag photo. What more can you ask for?
A large heart painted with the American flag design decorates a red barn wall beside a leafless tree in a snowy setting.
From America, with love
This American flag image fills our hearts with American pride.
a man on a horse waves an american flag to show support for the fire department helicopter in the background
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
view of the sun, an american flag, and the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the sail of the USS Norfolk
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
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