American Flag Meaning Colors

The Hidden Meanings Behind the American Flag

Colors and Patterns

Colors

The colors of the American flag each hold a significant meaning. Red represents hardiness and valor, white signifies purity and innocence, and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Stars

The 50 white stars on the blue canton represent each of the 50 states that make up the United States.

Stripes

The 13 alternating red and white stripes symbolize the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.

Variations

While the classic red, white, and blue design is most commonly known, there have been variations of the American flag throughout history. Some of these variations use different colors, such as the "Betsy Ross" flag, which is said to have been the first American flag, and features a field of 13 stars on a blue background with alternating red and white stripes.

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