U.S.
Pentagon unfurls America 250 flag for Armed Forces Day
Stars and Stripes
May 16, 2026
An American flag unfurls down the side of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to celebrate Armed Forces Day and honor America's 250th birthday. (Eric Brann/Department of Defense)
The Department of Defense unveiled a new flag Saturday on Armed Forces Day to honor the 250th anniversary of the country.
The flag, unfurled at sunrise over the side of the Pentagon, is an America 250 version of the Betsy Ross flag.
The flag will also be flown to celebrate Memorial Day, May 25; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Patriot Day, Sept. 11; Constitution Day, Sept. 17; and Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Betsy Ross was a professional upholsterer in Philadelphia from the early 1770s until she retired in 1827. Though there is no historical evidence, the idea that she designed the American flag is deeply ingrained in the culture.