The Flag of The United States

The history of the United States flag dates back to June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing an official flag for the new nation, stating, 'That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.' Since then, the flag has undergone several changes, primarily to the stars in the canton. Each star added represented a new state joining the union. The current design, with fifty stars, was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. The U.S. flag has been a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the history of the American nation throughout its existence, playing a significant role in American culture, patriotism, and governmental ceremonies.