| The national flag of the United States of America is a | | | | various organizations and institutions. |
| symbol of strength, unity, and freedom. The flag is | | | | The U.S. flag that is of the utmost importance is the |
| often referred to as the "stars and stripes" or "old | | | | national flag, to which the greatest respect should be |
| glory." The national flag has been an inspiration for | | | | paid. No other flag can be flown above the national |
| millions of people over a period of about 230 years. | | | | flag. |
| Today, the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes; | | | | It was Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, |
| of the thirteen stripes, there are seven red | | | | who made the first U.S. flag in 1777. The famous |
| alternating with six white. The stripes represent the | | | | name "old glory" was coined by Captain William |
| original thirteen colonies; the stars represent the fifty | | | | Driver, a shipmaster of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1831. |
| states. The color red symbolizes hardness and valor, | | | | It is imperative that no one show disrespect to the |
| white represents purity and innocence, and the blue | | | | national flag. The national flag should never be |
| symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice. | | | | "dipped" or lowered to any person or thing. However, |
| The U.S. has State flags for each of the fifty States. | | | | Regimental colors, State flags, and organizational or |
| There is a separate flag for District of Columbia, | | | | institutional flags should be dipped as a mark of |
| Washington, D.C. There is also another flag for | | | | honor. |
| Puerto Rico, a commonwealth associated with the | | | | The stars and stripes have changed in numbers and |
| U.S. Apart from all of the aforementioned flags, there | | | | their order of placement, but these bestow on |
| is the United States service flag, the U.S. Army Flag, | | | | millions of people the inspiration, strength, and |
| U.S. Marine Corps Flag, U.S. Navy Flag, and flags of | | | | courage to fight for unity, freedom and justice. |