U.S. Flag - Official National Flag of the United States #1279184 (License: Personal Use)

The flag of the United States consists of thirteen horizontal stripes-seven red alternating with six white-representing the original Thirteen Colonies, and a blue canton bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows, symbolizing the 50 U.S. states. Adopted in its current form on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state, it is one of the world’s most recognizable national symbols. Its design follows strict federal specifications under U.S. Code Title 4.

Used on government websites, educational resources, patriotic events, and civic pages; matches user intent for historical reference, flag etiquette, or national symbolism research.