All it takes to invoke patriotism in an American is the very sight of the national flag. The flag holds significance and represents all the values that America represents. The design of the flag is unique and has greater meaning - every single star, stripe and the combination of colors has a deeper meaning. Historians are aware of the significance of this while many others may not be exactly aware of the symbolism behind the design. Here is all that you need to know about the American flag.

While the actual origin of the first American flag is a subject of widespread speculation, many students are of the opinion that the flag received its design as a result of the efforts of Francis Hopkinson, who was a Congressman from New Jersey. It is also widely believed that a seamstress from Philadelphia, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. This information is of historical value showing the origins of the flag and has been the subject of extensive research. 

 

 Every color and shade has its representative dimension. In other words, every color in the spectrum represents some quality or aspect. White stands for the highest levels of purity and innocence. Red is a symbol of strength and courage, while blue indicates the power of justice and perseverance. This symbolism of the three colors are more in sync with the values that American stands for, and this is the reason for the colors to make it to the stars and stripes.

 The red and white stripes on the American flag which give the flag its popular name of stars and stripes denote the 13 different colonies that received independence from Great Britain. These stripes in the Star Spangled Flags represent these thirteen colonies. It is these 13 colonies. The flag has also inspired the national anthem. The sight of the flag flapping in the wind inspired the poet Francis Scott Key to pen the national anthem.

The spangled star banner, as the flag is commonly referred to, comprises 50 stars which represent the number of states in the U.S. This was not the original number of stars earlier and stars were added when two more states were included. The stars occupy the upper left-hand corner of the flag, and also have spiritual relevance. The stars in the flag symbolize the heavens and the divine goal of mankind. The interpretation of the stars and stripes in the given context are the stars represent the skies white stripes denote the sun's rays. 

The star has flown majestically in distant locations, indicating the great progress of America as an advanced nation with scientific temper and military prowess. The star has flapped on the moon's surface, on the peak of Mount Everest, and on the icy expanse of the North Pole.