The American flag stands for the national spirit of the citizens. The people hope that it is recognized as a symbol of freedom and ethical practice around the world. It is, also, tied in with the culture of the country and has a history of its own. This is a summary of this flag and its path from it's birth to what it is today.

The flag contains a blue upper, left corner that holds 50 white stars. Each star stands for one of the 50 states in the country. To the right of that, and below, is alternating red and white stripes. These stripes symbolize the original 13 colonies that stood up against the British and became a separate country. The flag is used as a common point of unity during times of war and difficulty.

It is believed that a seamstress, named Betsy Ross, was responsible for the look of the stars. George Washington preferred stars with six points. Washington was in charge of the Continental Army at the time and had a design for a flag that he showed to Ross. A final design was decided on and Ross created the first American flag.

The raising of the first US flag was on January 1, 1776. It occurred not far from Boston, Massachusetts where George Washington was headquartered. This initial flag was called the Grand Union Flag and on June 14, 1777 it was approved as the first official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress. The 50th star was added, in honor of Hawaii becoming a state, on July 4, 1960.

Since then, the flag has remained the same in appearance as everything around it changes. Today you can find the flag almost everywhere. I is seen painted on country barns, made into clothing, and placed on key chains. The ways to use the design of the American flag are only limited by the imagination.

The flag of the United States has a unique history filled with interesting people, times of conflict, and great triumph. It serves as a rallying point for the citizens of the country when trouble strikes. Take a moment and admire the power of the American flag.