U.S Flag changed 26 times since inception

American Flag


Historically changed 26 times. The American flag was first made and sewn
by Bettsy Ross. It was completed and then introduced as the flag of what is now the, United States of America.  It's stars and stripes represented the 13 original colonies that signed the Declaration of Independence. A document of important significance. Not only for the United States, but also as a model for future democracies. The flag that was flown at the time of the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, in 1812.  Had 15 stars and 15 stripes. Representing three new states that were susequently added to the union. As the new states were added. Either singularly or in groups. Stars were added as statehood was applied for and ratified. At present 50 stars adorn the field of blue, but only 13 red and white stripes. Representing the original 13 colonies. The addition of only stars and not stripes was started in 1818.  The flag of the United States follows a practice going back almost 3000 years.  The first true flags were first used by the Roman legions to identify one from another. They were known as vexilla.  Our flag like those of many other countries.  Is a strong patriotic symbol.  As well as representing national pride. Flags have been used as a rallying point in battle. Or as a symbol of conquest. As in the flag being hoisted by 5 U.S. Marines over Mt.. Surabachi  Iwo Jima. in WW2, depicting victory in a long and deadly struggle against the Japanese.  Each U.S. state has it's own flag. As well as flags of municipalities and government agencies. The flag of the United States is never dipped in recognition of anyone or any country. Rules for displaying the flag of the United States are defined in the U.S. Flag Code.