1777 was the first official flag. Notice the stars in the image. Over time the stars change, because the nation is changing. The stripes stay the same. Also, the flag hasn't changed since 1960.

• Stripes: The stripes were incredibly symbolic in both color and number. Additionally, the stripe design signified sun-rays shining down; a strong image when considering the birth of a new nation.

  • Red stripes were chosen to represent valor, courage and hardiness.

  • White stripes represented innocence and purity, a new country just born and starting on its own.

  • Even the number of stripes has meaning. The 13 stripes honor the original English colonies; those men and women who worked hard and sacrificed much to make it in the new world, the world becoming a new country.

• Stars: Just as constellations in the night sky will stand ''forever,'' the stars on the flag represented the idea of a constellation, the stars of the heavens. The stars on the flag represent the number of states in the union of states.

  • Blue Star Field: The blue field on which the stars sit represents justice and perseverance.