What Do the Stars & Stripes on the Flag Represent?
The U.S. flag used today evolved from a series of flag designs, many including the stars and stripes, along with the colors chosen by the Continental Congress. As the country grew, the flag design changed to accommodate the new states.
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Stars
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The 50 stars currently on the U.S. flag consist of white, five-pointed stars in a blue rectangular field at the upper left corner of the flag. The stars represent the number of states in the United States, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center. On the first incarnation of the U.S. flag, there were only 13 stars.
Stripes
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The 13 stripes of the flag consist of seven red stripes alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that founded the United States.
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Colors
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The Continental Congress decided upon the colors of the flag on June 14, 1777. According to Encarta Encyclopedia, the red, white and blue were chosen specifically for their meanings. The red meant "hardiness and valor," the white" purity and innocence" and the blue "vigilance, perseverance and justice."
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References
- Photo Credit american flag image by George Wada from Fotolia.com
