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notredameswimmer notredam...
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What do the red and white stripes... along with the blue background of the flag represent?

I need to know the meaning of the red and white strips of the flag. Along with the meaning of the blue background of the stars.
  • 3 years ago
trin by trin
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February 19, 2007
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According to the book, "Our Flag" published by the House of Representatives, "The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777." It goes on to say, on page 41 (page 47 of the PDF version)[2] that the colors of the Great Seal of the United States, when it was adopted in 1782, were defined thus: "White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of the Chief [the broad band above the stripes] signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice."

Many people also take the red as a reference to the blood of patriots, especially members of the military, who fought for freedom

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  • 3 years ago
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Other Answers (3)

  • andy m by andy m
    Member since:
    July 03, 2006
    Total points:
    438 (Level 2)
    i cant believe you don't know this yet,
    the red and white strips are the number of continents
    and the blue back ground represents the battle field.
    • 3 years ago
  • Rita S by Rita S
    Member since:
    January 26, 2007
    Total points:
    13295 (Level 6)
    The stripes represent the original 13 colonies--at first, they added another stripe every time they added a state, but soon saw that was impractical, so went back to 13.
    • 3 years ago
  • American_Flag by American...
    Member since:
    September 22, 2006
    Total points:
    130 (Level 1)
    the colors were taken from the British union flag. revolutionary period before the USA had its own flag they flew the British Red Ensign as their flag this flag included the canton containing the union flag (the canton is the upper left hand corner of a flag) the red of the flag a plain red field. they split the red field up with white stripes so now we have the Grand Union Flag this flag was flown before the signing of the declaration of independance July 4th 1776, and this was also the 1st flag afterwards. in fact they used it for almost a year before they changed it. there was confusion... if they are independant from britian why is there still representation in the flag? the flag changed the canton to 13 white stars and blue field and this flag was 1st hoisted on 14th June 1777. this date was later celebrated as Flag Birthday and then now as Flag Day.

    so your colours come from Britain! as does the melody of the national anthem the Star Spangled Banner!
    • 3 years ago

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