The flag of the United States features 50 white stars on a blue canton and 13 alternating red and white stripes. The 50 stars represent the 50 states, while the 13 stripes symbolize the original 13 colonies. The colors also hold symbolic meaning: red for valor, white for purity, and blue for vigilance.
Stars: There are 50 white, five-pointed stars on a blue field in the canton, representing the 50 U.S. states.
Stripes: There are 13 horizontal stripes, alternating red (seven) and white (six). These represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
Color symbolism:
Red: Valor and bravery.
White: Purity and innocence.
Blue: Vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Evolution: The flag's design has been updated multiple times as new states were added to the union. The current 50-star flag has been in use since July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state.
Nicknames: The flag is often called the "Stars and Stripes," "the Star-Spangled Banner," or "Old Glory".
