The familiar stars and stripes of the American flag have long served as symbols of national pride and identity. Political posters use images of the flag to spur Americans to action.
Not Just Hats Off to the Flag but Sleeves up for ItSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Recruitment posters in the World Wars encouraged men and women to enlist or lend their labor to wartime industries. The flag served as a reminder of American ideals of liberty and democracy.
U.S.A. BondsSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Lady Liberty, wearing the American flag as a dress, takes up her sword ("Be Prepared") from a Liberty Loan-selling Boy Scout.
Follow the Pied Piper Join the United States School Garden Army Follow the Pied Piper Join the United States School Garden Army by Barney, Maginel WrightSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Of course, perhaps the most iconic flag-inspired outfit is worn by Uncle Sam. Here, he leads a group of children to garden for the war effort, outfitted with red and white pinstriped pants and a blue jacket.
It's Your Flag They BurnedSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
The American flag has also served as a site of protest. During the Vietnam war, anti-war activists burned flags in opposition to military activities in Southeast Asia.
What Betsy Ross Put Together, Let No Man Put AsunderSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
During the feminist movement of the 60s and 70s, women took up the flag to remind the nation that "liberty and justice for all" included women too.
Censorship Is UnamericanSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this 1990 Rock the Vote poster, a patriotic hand - likely Uncle Sam's - stops a young voter from speaking.
bannerSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
As a symbol of American nationhood and identity, the flag still serves as a powerful graphic image, allowing artists to make statements about the nation we are or the one we want to become.
