These are some of the best American flag pictures from our readers
60 American Flag Pictures That Will Make You Feel Patriotic
Incredible American flag pictures that fill you with pride
The American flag is a national symbol that reminds us of the United States’ history and what the country stands for. The American flag’s roots trace back to the American Revolution, and the flag is woven into 4th of July history. In fact, the 13 red and white stripes stand for the 13 original colonies that fought for independence against Great Britain, and the 50 stars stand for the country’s 50 states. It’s a powerful symbol of freedom that’s recognized across the globe and is synonymous with life, liberty and freedom (making it important to note American flag etiquette). Plus, since it’s such a powerful symbol, the American flag is photographed often—think of how many American flag pictures you’ve seen on social media and from family or friends—many of which we’re sharing below!
We asked readers to submit a photo they took of the American flag and to tell us what it makes them feel. Below, the Grand Prize winner of our American flag photo contest is displayed—along with several finalists and other inspiring American flag images we found. So, take a look at these American flag pictures that will fill your heart with pride for the USA.
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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.Â
Flying proudly in the heartland
This American flag photo captures a beautiful image of the stars and stripes.
A powerful symbol
This beautiful display of red, white and blue is truly a sight to see.
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
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 spark of patriotism
Celebrate the USA by proudly displaying your American flag. You may even want to share a few patriotic quotes too.
Freedom: sweet as pie
This American flag photo shows that red, white and blue can look delicious.
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! This American flag photo reminds us to book a 4th of July weekend vacations.
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.
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!
The American flag shines through
A beautiful day to fly the American flag.
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
America over the moon
Don’t be fooled by this American flag image—there are 50 stars in this night sky.
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, TexasÂ
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
From sea to shining sea
In this American flag photo, the stars and stripes take to the sea!
Neighborhood flags
Waving with pride on American homes. Share this American flag photo with your family, along with these 4th of July jokes.
A small hand holds the flag
Here’s an American flag photo that shows an adorable glimpse into America’s future.
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, FloridaÂ
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
A patriotic porch companion
Hanging out with the red, white and blue.
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.
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
Proudly standing in the park
The sun sets soundly on the stars and stripes.
Freedom flying across the field
One of the best (and cutest) American flag pictures we’ve seen!
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
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?
From America, with love
This American flag image fills our hearts with American pride.
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
America in lights
Look at the stars and stripes shine!
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
Serving the American flag
A reminder that all gave some, but some gave all for the stars and stripes.
A flag among flowers
One of the American flag pictures that shows two beautiful sights in a window box.
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
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
Waving in the wind
A patriotic sight any American can appreciate.
Made in the USA
And proudly displayed in the yard!
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
The American flag up close
You can see the stitching of the stars and stripes in this American flag photo.
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
American flags lining the street
That’s a lot of red, white and blue.
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?
America on the dash
This flag gets to see its country from a different perspective.
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 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!
Smiling with Old Glory
The stars and stripes are in good paws!
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
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Originally Published in Reader's Digest
