U.S. Flag - Official Design, History, and Symbolism #8997 (License: Personal Use)

The U.S. flag features 50 white five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows on a blue canton, symbolizing the 50 states. Thirteen alternating red and white stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Adopted in its current form on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state, it remains one of the world’s most recognized national symbols.

Used on government websites, educational resources, patriotic content, Veterans Day/Memorial Day pages, and civic education materials; matches user intent for learning about U.S. symbolism, flag protocol, or historical facts.