The American flag has changed twenty-six times since the first official design was approved by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.
Today it consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white.
The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies, while the stars represent the fifty states of the Union.
The colors of the flag are symbolic as well.
Red represents hardiness and valor, white represents purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
