Flag of the United States
The American national flag is one of the most well known symbols of the United States of America. Often nicknamed as the “Stars and Stripes” it consists of thirteen horizontal stripes in red and white, and 50 white stars on a blue rectangle on its upper hoist-side corner.
Flown as a national emblem since 1777 with very minor changes during the years, it serves as a strong symbol of Americanism identity and national pride while capturing the power and glory of its people.
The 13 horizontal stripes represent the first american colonies that declared independence from Great Britain back in 1776 and actually formed the USA, while the 50 stars of alternating numbers of six and five per horizontal row represent the number of current states.
The flag was originally designed by the naval flag designer Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey, who was also one of the Declaration of Independence signers.
The colors of the flag: white, red and blue are supposedly symbolising purity, hardiness and vigilance respectively, but more recent interpretations suggest courage, high-ideals and justice (as expressed by president Ronald Reagan in 1986).
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