The American flag, created on June 14, 1777, is a national symbol of patriotism, honor and respect. Also known as the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory and the Star-Spangled Banner, the American Flag unites our country as we “pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,” sing the national anthem at sporting events or pay respect to veterans on Memorial Day.
You may know that the American Flag is a national symbol, but do you know the meaning behind the flag’s stars and stripes or red, white and blue coloring?
Meaning Behind the Flag’s Red, White and Blue
Before the American Flag was created, the first national flag of the United States was the Grand Union Flag. It also had 13 red and white stripes, but the upper inner corner of the flag displayed a red, white and blue British Union flag instead of the stars that we see today on the U.S. flag.
The red, white and blue color palette from the original British Union Flag did not hold any meaning until the Great Seal of the United States was designed from 1776 to 1782.
From there, Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, stated the symbolism of the Great Seal which carried into the U.S. flag. He said, “White signifies purity and innocence. Red, harshness and valor; and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.” Even though there is no official meaning behind the American flag’s red, white and blue, Thomson’s words have existed throughout American traditions and customs since 1782.
What About the Stars and Stripes?
The U.S. flag design includes 50 white stars, representing the 50 states of the union, and seven red stripes and six white stripes that stand for the original 13 British colonies.
In 1977 the House of Representatives wrote, “The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”
Now that you know the history behind the American flag’s stars and stripes, you can wave your flag with pride and confidence this Fourth of July.
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