Flag of United States
The "Stars and Stripes"
Official Palette
Symbolism
The 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union, and the 13 stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
History
The current 50-star design was created by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project (he received a B- for it). It was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii joined the Union.
Construction
The flag has a unique 10:19 aspect ratio. It features 13 horizontal stripes (7 red, 6 white) and a blue canton containing 50 white, five-pointed stars.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 4, 1960
- Designer
- Robert G. Heft
- Proportions
10:19 (≈1.900)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Key Symbols
- Canton, Stars
Influences
Flags with resemblance
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Flag Protocol
- The flag should be illuminated if flown at night
- It should never touch the ground or anything beneath it
- When the flag is so worn it is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning
Practice
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