On what date is a star added to the flag when a new state is admitted to the Union?

A star is added to the United States flag on the next Fourth of July following the admission of a new state to the Union. This tradition is rooted in the U.S. flag’s design and its representation of the states. Each star symbolizes a state, and July 4th is significant as it marks the declaration of independence and has since become a day to celebrate the nation and its values.

The timing of adding the star aligns with the country's tradition of commemorating its independence and unifying the states under one flag on this historic day. Therefore, when a new state joins the Union, the following Independence Day serves as a fitting occasion to reflect that change in representation on the flag.