SYMBOLISM OF THE UNITED STATES FLAG
The American Flag is symbolic in many ways. The alternating red and whites stripes represent the 13 British colonies that settled in America, while the stars represent each state. In regards to the Great Seal of the United States, as the book “Our Flag” published in 1989 by the House of Representatives states, “The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.” The colors originally were meant for the United States Seal, but have since evolved to include meaning for the flag as well.
Other Names for the American Flag:
- Stars and Stripes
- Old Glory
- The Star Spangled Banner