Flew the Flag
On July 4, 2026, Americans flew the Stars and Stripes at homes, businesses, and communities, a shared display of pride from coast to coast.
As America marked its 250th birthday, the National Flag Foundation called on Americans to rise in a resounding display of unity and patriotism. Through Light to Unite, citizens across the country honored our Flag and illuminated cities, towns, and landmarks in red, white, and blue, symbolizing our shared heritage, freedom, and unity.
From the heart of bustling cities to the quiet streets of small towns, the vision was bold: a nation aglow, not just in color, but in shared mission and remembrance. These lights symbolized our past sacrifices, our present resilience, and our unwavering hope for the future. Light to Unite brought us all together, one Flag, one nation, under God.
How America took part
Three ways the nation shone together
Lit red, white & blue
As night fell, buildings, bridges, landmarks, and front porches glowed red, white, and blue, a nation aglow in shared mission and remembrance.
Shared the light
Americans tagged @nationalflagfoundation and #LightToUnite as communities lit up together across all fifty states.
A national movement
Standing together, coast to coast
Light to Unite was joined by hundreds of organizations, cities, and partners across the country.
Veteran & service organizations
- American Legion
- AMVETS
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Disabled American Veterans
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Military Order of the Purple Heart
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
- Italian American War Veterans of the U.S.
Civic & community
- America250
- National League of Cities
- National Sheriffs’ Association
- United States Capitol Historical Society
- Scouting America
- Rotary Club of Pittsburgh
- City of Pittsburgh
- American Battle Monuments Commission
Labor & industry
- United Steelworkers
- International Association of Fire Fighters
- National Fraternal Order of Police
- Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Teamsters Joint Council No. 40
- Annin Flagmakers
- Lamar Advertising Company
Coast to coast
Landmarks lit red, white & blue
From New York to Atlanta, America’s icons shone together for the nation.
- One World Trade Center New York, NY
- Andy Warhol Bridge Pittsburgh, PA
- Willis Tower Chicago, IL
- Koppers & Gulf Towers Pittsburgh, PA
- Prudential Tower Boston, MA
- 1180 Peachtree Atlanta, GA
With gratitude
A nation that shone as one
On July 4, 2026, Americans in all fifty states flew the Flag and lit their communities red, white, and blue. Thank you for standing together. The work of uniting the nation around our Flag continues.