National Flag

The flag of the United States of America is the national flag of the United States, often referred to as the American flag. Other possible reference include Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Star-Spangled Banner, and the Red, White and Blue. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes – 7 red stripes and 6 white ones. A blue square in the upper corner contains 50 white stars. The stars on the flag represent the 50 US states, and the 13 stripes represent the 13 original British colonies that declaredindependence from the UK. According to the Department of State, the color of red stands for hardiness and courage, white is the symbol of purity and innocence, and blue is the color of vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The current design of the US flag is not its original version. The design of the flag hasbeen modified officially 26 times since 1777. Every time when one or more states were admitted, a new star or some new stars will be added on the flag.The most recent change, from 49 stars to 50, occurred in 1960 when the present design was chosen, after Hawaii gained statehood in August 1959.