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The Curious Bag
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In 1776, Boston seamstress Betsy Ross produced the first American flag. A year later, the Continental Congress officially adopted the flag, declaring "that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
Inspiration
Inspiration for the American flag came from the flag of The Grand Union, which had 13 stripes of alternating red and white and a British Jack in the upper left-hand corner. This flag was used prior to the adoption of the American flag.
Stars and Field
The circle of 13 stars backed by a blue field on the original American flag stood for the 13 states of the new country, according to ushistory.org. The blue field itself stands for the commander and chief and represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.
Red Stripes
The seven red stripes of the American flag represent hardiness and valor.
White Stripes
The six white stripes represent purity and innocence.
Current Flag
The flag U.S. citizens fly today consists of 13 alternating red and white stripes and a blue field with 50 white stars in the upper left-hand corner. This version of the flag was adopted in 1960, the year after Hawaii was declared a state.
Source:
Memorials.com: What do the Colors of the American Flag mean?
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