What Are the Meanings of US Flags?

The US Flag

The "Stars and Stripes" are symbolic of the United States, but its red, white and blue colors didn't mean anything when the nation's first flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

First Flag Act

The Second Continental Congress stipulated the new nation's flag consist of "thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation," according to the official US flag website.

Meaning of Colors

Over the years, the red in the flag has come to symbolize valor and bravery, white for purity and innocence, and blue for perseverance and justice, says Ben's Guide to Government for Kids, an official government website.

The Stars

The stars are symbolic of the stars in heaven, Ben's Guide adds. There is one for each state in the union, each added to the flag on the first Fourth of July following that state's admission to the union.

The Stripes

The stripes are representative of the rays of light reaching out from the sun.

Flag Day

The Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Act on June 14, 1777, which is why we celebrate Flag Day annually on June 14th .

References

• Official US Flag website
• Ben's Guide to Government for Kids

Resources

• More Meanings of Flag Colors
• US Code on the Flag