The flag consists of 13 alternating red and white stripes that represent the 13 original colonies, and 50 white stars on a blue field, with each star representing a state. The colors on the flag represent:

• Red: valor and bravery
• White: purity and innocence
• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

How to fly the flag

• The American flag is the 3rd oldest flag in the world – older than the Union Jack of Britain or the tricolor of France.
• Congress made the American flag design official on June 14, 1777. That day is now known as Flag Day in the United States.
• The American flag was flown for the first time at Fort Stanwix, which is present Rome, New York.
• What do the colors of the American flag mean? In a nutshell, red is for valor and zeal. White stands for purity and cleanliness of life. Blue represents loyalty, justice, and truth.
• The nickname “Old Glory” was first used by Captain William Driver on August 10, 1831.
• The American flag first flew over foreign territory on the Bahamas on January 28th, 1778 at Fort Nassau.
• The version of the flag we use today was created by Robert Heft at age 18 for a school assignment. Heft, wanting a higher grade, proposed that his grade be changed from a B- to an A if Congress accepted his flag as the new and current US flag. The flag was officially changed in 1958 and Robert Heft got the grade he wanted.
• There are currently 6 American flags ‘flying’ on the Moon from missions Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
• Flying an American flag upside-down is only acceptable in cases of dire emergency. It’s like an SOS signal meaning, “Help Me! It’s an emergency! Call the police! I am in dire trouble and need immediate help!”