Photo of the American flag, the history of the stars and stripes of the state symbol of the United States

Each country has its own flag. America is no exception. Such things as patriotism, homeland, a sense of duty to it, etc., mean a lot to US citizens. Therefore, they are very sensitive to their national symbol - the US flag. For Americans, this is not just an ordinary flag, but a universal symbol of their nation.

The US flag with its stars and stripes is the main official symbol of America. The flag is a rectangular canvas with red and white depicted on it, horizontal and alternating between them stripes and a blue square with numerous stars. And each color of the American flag has its own meaning. Red symbolizes the shed blood of the founders of the colonies, and white - the moral principles on which the United States was founded.

Of course, everyone saw the flag of America with its stars and stripes. But not everyone knows how important they are. And this is quite an interesting question. After all, it changed many times in its entire history, and the number of stars on it also did not remain unchanged.

So, in order to figure out how many stars on the flag of America really are and what they symbolize, you need to turn to history. And the history of the American flag began from the day when the United States was proclaimed an independent state - July 4, 1776. Up to this point, the country did not have its own official banner. Therefore, on the first version of the American flag, instead of the current stars, the symbol of Great Britain was depicted. He bore the name "Continental Flag". For the next year and a half, this flag was carried by North American revolutionaries under the command of

However, everyone understood that a new independent state needs its own unique symbol. Therefore, in June 1777, the Congress approved a new official American flag. Stars appeared on it instead. They began to symbolize the associated states. So, how many stars were on the American flag from the start? 13 states - 13 stars.

According to legend, the first flag of America was made by seamstress Betsy Ross from Philadelphia on US Independence Day. And the day when it was adopted by Congress (June 14) is still celebrated in America as the Flag Day.

Throughout the history of the United States, the number of stars on the flag has changed several times. So, in 1795, two more Vermont joined the USA, and the number of stars on the flag was increased to 15. It was this flag that was called the Star Spangled Banner. And so it was repeated every time a new state joined the USA. The 48-star banner lasted the longest (1912-1959).

So, how many stars are on the American flag today?

In 1960, the last state joined the USA - Hawaii. At the moment when he entered the country, the last 50th star flashed on the flag. To this day, the American flag consists of 13 lanes and 50 stars.

However, since 2012, negotiations are already under way to make Puerto Rico the official 51st state of America. And the Institute of Heraldry of the US Army has even prepared proposals for changing the design of the future flag.

Now you know exactly how many stars are on the American flag. As well as the fact that they mean the number of US states.

NUMBER OF STARS ON US STATE FLAG

The star-striped flag, along with the anthem and the Great Seal, are official state symbols.

How many stars are there on the USA flag? In the dark blue rectangle, which we see in the upper left corner, there are fifty five-pointed equal-sized stars of white color. They are located in nine horizontal rows. There are thirteen stripes on the flag - by the number of colonies that formed the state. The number of stars on the flag corresponds to the number of states. Dark blue is a symbol of justice, diligence and vigilance. White color - righteousness, purity and innocence. Red color - endurance and valor. The white color of the stars on the flag of the USA is not chosen by chance either. This is a good wish for a bright and good journey.

According to some historians, Francis Hopkinson, the US Congressman, became the flag designer. His signature stands amongst others under the Declaration of Independence. General George Washington raised the Continental US flag for the first time in 1776 on June 4 (see photo).

A feature of the flag can be called the fact that the color of the cloth used in blue, which is darker than the shade of blue on the flags of other states. Historians explain this by the fact that in the seventeenth century there was no persistent dye. When using conventional paint, the flag would quickly burn out. And with a rich and dense shade of blue, the color was kept longer. The same applies to the red color, the shade of which is darker than the red color on the flags of other states.



Time passed, and the flag changed. The number of stars has changed. On Independence Day (July 4), new stars were added to the flag, which meant the accession of another state. The number of bands almost always remained unchanged.

The national flag of the United States is the oldest national standard in the world. The flag was changed several times until it was officially approved by the country's Congress. It happened in 1777 on June 14th. In the proclaimed law on the national flag of the United States, it was added that the flag would have 13 red and white horizontal stripes, and instead of the image of the British flag in the upper left corner was a dark blue rectangle with 13 white five-pointed equal-sized stars (see photo). Since June 14, the flag of the United States of America has been celebrated in the USA.

The first battle, in which the flag was used as a state, took place in 1777 in Pennsylvania. On the territory of another country, the flag was hoisted next year. It happened in Nassau, Bahamas, when the American army defeated the British fort. Changes in the flag were made twenty-six times since the time when he was recognized by thirteen colonies. For forty-seven years, the American flag had forty-eight stars. In 2007, fifty stars shone on the flag.

The US flag is posted strictly on certain days:

- January - New Year (1) and inauguration day (20);

February is the birthday of A.Lincoln (12th) and the birthday of J. Washington (3rd Monday is the presidential day);

May - Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday);

June - Flag Day (14);

July - Independence Day (4);

September - Labor Day (1) and Constitution Day (17);

October - Day H. Columbus (2nd Monday) and Day of the Navy (27);

November - Veterans Day (11) and Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday).

WHAT DOES US FLAG MEAN (WHEN FIVE STARS APPEARED EXISTENTLY, BANDS ON US FLAG)

In the first year of the United States there was no national flag. There were only homespun versions of the future standard. The most famous is considered the US flag Betsy Ross (the proposed version is shown in the photo). There are many reasons why he was confused with the first flag of America.

Initially, the number of stars and stripes on the flag of the United States was equal to the number of colonies that won the struggle for their independence. This means that then the flag had thirteen stars and the same number of bands. As the number of states grew, it was decided to add stars. A strip left in the same amount in honor of the first colonies that won independence.

In a slightly different form, the American flag in Europe was presented for the first time. In 1777, on a cold October morning, John Paul Jones raised his own hand-made flag over the Seraphis frigate won over so that the Dutch authorities would not accuse him of piracy.

Here are the main events concerning the history of the flag.

Adoption of a flag law by the US Congress (June 14, 1777). Approved that the bands will be thirteen, alternating with red and white. Thirteen white stars will mean a union of states on a blue background.

A law was passed on fifteen stripes (1794) and fifteen stars (1795).
The new law decided to leave thirteen lanes and one star for each state (April 4, 1818).

Government decree establishing the proportion of the flag. The placement of stars in six rows horizontally, where eight pieces in each row with a single vertex (June 24, 1912), is provided.

Government Decree on the placement of seven stars in seven rows (January 3, 1959).
A government order to place fifty stars in nine rows horizontally and eleven vertically. (August 21, 1959)

It was under this flag that nine presidents of the United States served.

There are certain prohibitions concerning the flag of the United States, which are rather unknown:

- the lowering of the American flag in honor of a respected person or object is not allowed;

Placing a flag down by the canton is allowed only in the event of a distress signal;

It is not allowed to place the flag so that it clings to adjacent objects and may get dirty;

Do not carry the pole in a horizontal position;

It is not allowed to use the flag as a cape, sheet, or bedspread and fabric for tailoring;

Draw something on the flag;

Wrap items in cloth

It is impossible to put on the disposable items the image of the US flag.

Undoubtedly, it is interesting that every citizen of the United States of America has the right to burn the national flag if he does not agree with anything. This right is enshrined in the US Constitution.

It is curious that the Institute of Heraldry of America adopted the development of a new flag with fifty one stars (photo above). There are several flag options (what territory will be the 51st state of America is not yet clear). It is not yet known whether such a state will appear at all or not. The flag can also be displayed on any other day as the holiday is announced by the president.

All 43 former US presidents (the beginning and end of their term at the head of state), including current US President Barack Obama.

50 stars by the number of states. There is still one federal district and one “freely joined country”, but, unfortunately, they were not given :)

On a note

US national flag, also known as Stars and Stripes Flag  , is the official state symbol of the United States. It is a rectangular panel with seven red and six white horizontal equally-sized alternating stripes. In the dark blue-colored roof is 50 five-pointed white stars. The 13 lanes symbolize the 13 colonies that formed the independent state. Blue Kryzh symbolizes the Union.   The number of stars in the blue fender corresponds to the number of states. Red color represents endurance and prowess; dark blue - zeal, justice, vigilance; white - innocence and purity. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length 10: 19. The flag changed over time depending on the number of states that made up the Union. A new star is added to the flag on July 4th after joining the alliance of the new state. The number of lanes remains unchanged; the only exception is the flag of 1795-1818, when, along with two stars, 2 more bands were added.

North America  - One of the 6 continents of the planet Earth, located in the north of the Western hemisphere of the Earth. The area of ​​North America without islands is 20.36 million km ², with islands of 24.25 million km ². The islands of North America include Greenland, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the West Indies, the Aleutian Islands and others. The population of North America is 500 million people. The population density is high on the islands of the Caribbean and in the mainland of Central America, here it is over 200 people per 1 km ². Map of North America and adjacent territories

The state symbol and standard of America has changed more than once since its inception. And this happened in June 1777, when the Continental Congress passed a new Flag Act. According to this document, the American flag was supposed to be a rectangular canvas with 13 stripes and 13 stars on a blue background. That was the initial project. But time has changed him ...

What does the American flag look like?

Of course, everyone saw the banner of America. This is a rectangular panel, the aspect ratio of which is 10 to 19, respectively. And how many bands on the American flag, you know? Answer: 13. In the US, there are six white and seven red horizontal lines that alternate with each other.

The top corner of the flag at the shaft itself is called "canton". It is made in a dark blue color. On this square are located fifty

It is also interesting how the American flag is called in the Homeland. The most common names are Stars and Stripes, which means “Stars and Stripes”, and Star Spangled Banner - “Star-Spangled Banner”. There are a few less running names. For example, "Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory" or "Striped Stars". Americans generally tremble with their flag and consider it the most beautiful symbol of their country.

What does the American flag mean

Like any state symbol, the flag of the USA is the face of the country. Each element depicted on a rectangular canvas has a special meaning.

So, the colors of American and blue) are chosen for a reason. They are full of meaning. Blue is a symbol of vigilance, perseverance, loyalty, loyalty, friendship and justice. Red means valor, zeal and courage. And white color is a sign of innocence and purity of moral principles.

The official names of the blue and red colors of the American flag are “Blue of Old Glory” (sometimes the name is “Naval Blue”) and “Red of Old Glory”. These colors are much darker than those used on the banners of other powers. Argued that such shades were chosen specifically to fade more slowly on the flags of ships during sea voyages.

Stars on the American flag symbolize the heavens and divine goals to which mankind has been striving since time immemorial. Each star is one state of the country. There are 50 of them on the modern banner. The stripes are the rays of light coming straight from the sun, as well as 13 colonies of America, which rebelled in the struggle for independence.

From the history

The American flag is one of the oldest national standards of all time. And despite the fact that no documentary evidence that could confirm who the author of his first design has survived, historians suggest that Francis Hopkinson, whose signature is under, is behind this. It is believed that he made changes to the previously existing Continental flag. and gave him the look that banner has today.

In 1776, the flag of the Continental Army was raised by General George Washington. On this banner were red and white stripes, as well as the British "Union-Jack", located in the place where 50 stars on a blue background are sparkling today.

Several different variants, containing 13 bands, were used throughout the years 1776-1777. Until the official American flag was approved by Congress - June 14, 1777. Today is the USA Flag Day, which is celebrated annually. The congressional resolution stated that “the banner of 13 united states contains 13 alternating white and red stripes, as well as a blue field and 13 white stars on it, which represent a new constellation”. First Washington clarified the design of the flag in its own way: “We took these stars from heaven, red means our homeland, and the white lines that divide it symbolize our separation from it; these lanes will become a symbol of our freedom. "

The first place where the new American flag was used for the first time was Brandiwine in Pennsylvania. This happened during a grand battle in October 1777. And over the foreign shores it was first raised in 1778, when the Americans captured the fort of Nassau in the Bahamas.

Betsy Ross and the first official flag

The history of the American flag, or rather, its creation is surrounded by legends. And the most beautiful of them is associated with the dressmaker Betsy Ross.

So, in 1780, Congressman Hopkinson sent a dispatch to Congress asking him to pay a fee in the form of a barrel of wine for the work he had done on the design of the American flag. However, he was denied, because a completely different person was actually working on the flag - Betsy Ross, a dressmaker from Philadelphia. Back in June 1776, General Washington, along with Colonel Ross and the financier Morris, visited the workshop of the wonderful woman Betsy Ross. It was to her Washington showed a sketch of the flag, which he invented. It is believed that Betsy replaced the six-pointed stars that were in the sketch, on the five-pointed, because they were difficult to make. And soon the first national flag of the USA was made.

However, this is just a legend. After all, how could Washington, who had been in Philadelphia for only about two weeks, find it difficult to find free hours to create a flag design in a difficult and critical time for a young country, and even organize an ad hoc committee on this issue? This is almost unreal. And there are no corresponding records anywhere.

In the 90s of the XVIII century, Kentucky and Vermont received the status of states. Then Congress approved the addition of two more bands and stars to those that originally meant the first 13 colonies that became states. In 1814, Francis Scott Cray sang this "Star Banner".

As all the new states joined the union, the question arose: how many bands on the American flag to represent? Their addition was simply not possible. Then in 1818, the Congress decided to restore the original 13-lane flag. From this point on, only stars symbolizing new states were allowed to be added to the banner.

Final design

According to the Law of 1818, the stripes on the US flag are only horizontal, red, alternating with white, and 20 stars are depicted on the canton. That was the time when the united states were. However, neither the size nor the color of the stars were specified. Therefore, in the country there were many different options for the banner. For example, during the Civil War, gold stars, located in a circle, were popular.

In 1912, this confusion was decided to correct. At that time, the united states were already 48. A single flag was developed. He tightened in 1960, when the state became 50.

The requirements are as follows: the American flag must contain 6 white and 7 red stripes. They go from top to bottom and alternate among themselves. Canton - dark blue and is located in the upper left of the flag. It has 50 stars with five ends, lined up in 9 horizontal lines. In even rows there are 5 stars each, in odd rows - 6 each.

Flag day

In 1861, the Stars and Stripes soared upwards. This happened the first summer of the Civil War in Connecticut. And this day has become the USA Flag Day. Many patriotic groups supported the idea of ​​celebrating this event throughout the country every year. However, the holiday was not official.

At the end of the XIX century, they returned to this issue. Then many schools conducted programs devoted to the Day of the Flag. In this way, they tried to “Americanize” the children of immigrants. Thanks to this, the celebration of the Day of the Flag was held by separate communities.

However, only in 1916 the national honoring of the banner was proclaimed the US president. And after 33 years, the Congress decided to make this day a national holiday. By the way, Flag Day is a working day. The only exception is the state of Pennsylvania.

US flag code

In the United States, the flag is treated very carefully and respectfully. There is even a special “Flag Code” - a set of rules for its use.

When the flag is posted

As a rule, the American flag is hung out during the celebrations. And it hangs around the clock - from dawn to dusk.

Mandatory days when the US flag should be posted:

• 12/31-01.01 - in the New Year;
• the third Monday of January, which is dedicated to Martin Luther King;
• January 20, every four years, is the Day of Inauguration of the President of America;
• February 12, when he was born (the 16th President of the United States);
• the third Monday of February, dedicated to the presidents of the country;
• the third Saturday of May - US Army Day;
• the last Monday of May is the Day of Sorrow and the memory of the dead soldiers;
• June 14 - Day of the flag itself;
• July 4 - US Independence Day (on this day, in addition to hanging the flag, there is also a festive firework);
• September 17th - Constitution Day;
• the first Monday of October, dedicated to Christopher Columbus, who discovered America;
• October 27 - Day;
• the fourth Thursday of November - Thanksgiving, etc.

Eternal symbol

The US flag, as a rule, hangs for a day, and then, at the end of the holiday, it is lowered. But there are several places where the banner flies forever:

• over Fort McHenry in Baltimore (exactly there hangs a copy of the very “Banner, covered with stars”, which became the prototype of the US National Anthem);
• over the White House, which is the current residence of the President of America;
• over the Capitol of Congress;
• in Arlington, above the United States Marine Corps Memorial;
• at border and customs control points;
• as many as fifty flags were posted in the US capital, Washington, over the Monument to America’s First President, George Washington;
• at the South Pole of the Earth;
• on the surface of the moon.

Missing USA symbol on the moon

In 1969, the first American flag appeared on the surface of the moon. On July 20, the Apollo crew landed on Earth's satellite and installed its symbol there. The first American on the moon, Neil Armstrong, then said that this small human step would be a leap in development for all of humanity.

During each of the next missions to the satellite of the Earth, the Americans left their national flag in the lunar soil. This has become a tradition for them. In total there were six flights - and flags too.

However, 40 years after the last expedition, NASA experts were amazed by the new images that came from the satellite: where did one of the banners go? Now there are only five fluttering them. Where did one of the canvases left in the ground go?

There are lots of versions. From completely explainable to completely unreal. Some argue that in Cosmos someone has too long hands, others - that this is the work of "competitors". NASA's minds suggest that the flag could have burned during the takeoff of the Apollo 11 rocket back in 1961. But there is no official version yet. And it is unlikely we will ever know where the national symbol of America has disappeared.

The national flag of the United States is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable in the world. You may not remember what the flags of France or Switzerland look like, but the American flag with its stars and stripes is always identified.

Many of us thought about how many stars are on the symbol of the United States and what they mean. Let's try to find out this question.

How many stars are on the USA flag?

The US flag looks like a canvas with 13 white-red stripes and 50 five-pointed white stars, centered in a blue rectangle (the roof). Its modern design was established in 1960 and is still in effect. For the first time the United States gained its banner in 1775. The flag was raised by a Scottish sailor, John Johnson, on the ship Alfred, stationed in the port of Philadelphia.

Then instead of the stars in the banner of the banner was a British straight cross, symbolizing the colony of Great Britain. Crosses were replaced with stars in 1777, a year after the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.

According to legend, the first flag was sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross, who received a sketch from George Washington himself.

Why are there 50 stars on the USA flag?

To understand why there are 50 stars on the US flag, it’s enough to delve into the past. In the second half of the 18th century, 13 British colonies created a single state independent of Great Britain.



  According to the number of colonies, 13 stars, depicted as a circular constellation, were depicted on the banner. Over time, the United States joined the new land, so the number of stars is constantly growing.

Symbolic on the roof are not only stars, but also colors. White symbolizes purity, blue - diligence and justice. It is noteworthy that blue has a deeper, darker shade than in the banners of other countries.

This is due to the practicality of Americans - in the XVIII century, the paints were not sufficiently resistant, so the light blue color quickly faded in the sun and turned blue, and the dark blue retained its color characteristics for a long time.

How many times has the number of stars changed on the flag of the United States?

During its existence, the American flag has undergone 26 changes. In 1795, Kentucky and Vermont joined the United States, bringing the stars to 15.

During the 19th century, another 30 states entered the state, therefore by the beginning of the 20th century there were already 45 stars. Another 5 states were added from 1908 to 1960. Hawaii was the last to enter the United States, after which a competition was announced in the country for a new design of the national flag.



  The victory in it was won by a 17-year-old schoolboy, Robert Heft, who did not invent anything new, but only added another star to the roof. Before the advent of the modern version, the United States used the longest 48-star flag in its history - for 47 years from 1912 to 1959. And only the last banner, established in 1960, crossed the 50-year milestone.

What do the 13 bands on the US flag mean?

The stripes on the American flag retain their original meaning, that is, indicate the 13 British colonies that formed the independent state. It was from these lands that the history of the United States began, which Americans remember and preserve for almost 240 years.

Like white stars, white stripes represent innocence, but red ones indicate the prowess and endurance of the first fighters for independence.

Will new stars appear on the US flag?

In 1898, United States troops invaded the small state of Puerto Rico, located on islands in the Caribbean. Since then, the islanders live under US administration, and their country is considered a dependent territory.



  Since the 1960s, Puerto Ricans have repeatedly rebelled for their independence, but lately more and more island residents have supported the idea of ​​becoming part of the United States. In the referendum, 2/3 of Puerto Ricans gave their vote for joining the “Big Brother”.

In this regard, the Institute of Heraldry of the US Army has already developed a draft of the new state flag, on which the 51st star is present.