What Do The Stripes Stand For On The American Flag?
Thirteen states joined together to form the United States. These former colonies fought a war with Great Britain to gain their independence. Now, the United States has 50 states, but the13 stripes on the American flag recognize the first 13 states that declared independence in 1776.
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Identification
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The flag has a red stripe at the top and bottom. There are six white stripes alternating with seven red stripes. The 13-stripe design was originally set on June 14, 1777, according to the Encyclopedia Smithsonian.
Features
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"Our Flag," a booklet produced by the U.S. Congress, indicates that the meaning of the colors in the flag were not specified when the flag was adopted. However, when the Great Seal of the United States was designed, it used the colors of the flag and noted meanings for these colors. The white in the seal represents purity and innocence, the red is a sign of valor and hardiness and the blue stands for justice, perseverance and vigilance.
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Fun Fact
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The flag that Francis Scott Key saw when he wrote the words for "The Star-Spangled Banner" had the rare 15-stripe design. The 15-stripe flag only existed from 1795 to 1818. Kentucky and Vermont were the two states that lost their stripes when the flag reverted to the original 13-stripe design.
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References
- Photo Credit american flag and washington monument image by Jack Prichett from Fotolia.com
