History of the American flagThe flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom before which Americans recite the The flag's 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states.Each of the colors on the flag has a meaning:Red: valor and braveryWhite: purity and innocenceBlue: vigilance, perseverance, and justiceA star is added to the flag when a new state joins the United States. The flag was last modified on July 4, 1960, when Hawaii was incorporated as a state.Learn more about the .How to raise the flagWhen to fly the flag at half-staffThe American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.In most cases, an American flag flying at half-staff marks one of three observances:The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responderA national tragedyMemorial Day or another national day of remembranceThe Great SealThe Great Seal of the United States is a national symbol used in official documents such as treaties and commissions. The final design was approved in 1782 and includes a bald eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum (which translates to "out of many, one") and a constellation of stars.The bald eagleThe bald eagle was designated as the national emblem by the U.S. Congress in 1782. Since then, it can be found on official documents, the presidential flag, the Great Seal, military insignia, and coins and bills. , The national flag of the United States, often referred to as the American flag or the U.S. flag, consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, where rows of six stars alternate with rows of five stars., The flag of the United States is a symbol of freedom before which Americans recite the pledge of allegiance. The flag's 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Its 50 white stars on a blue background represent the 50 states..