# flag of the United States of America

> national flag of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q42537](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42537)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-the-united-states-of-america

## Summary

The flag of the United States of America is the national flag of the United States, featuring thirteen horizontal stripes of red and white with a blue canton containing fifty white stars. Adopted on June 14, 1777, it is one of the most recognizable symbols of American identity, commonly known as "Old Glory," the "Stars and Stripes," and the "Star-Spangled Banner."

## Key Facts

- **Official name**: Flag of the United States of America
- **Inception date**: June 14, 1777 (+1777-06-14T00:00:00Z)
- **Country**: United States
- **Classification**: national flag (class: flag of a country or nation)
- **Preceded by**: Continental Union Flag (first national flag, inception: December 3, 1775)
- **Design elements**: thirteen horizontal stripes (red and white); blue canton with fifty white stars
- **Sitelink count**: 101
- **Wikipedia title**: Flag of the United States
- **Wikidata description**: national flag of the United States of America

**Aliases**: US flag, red, white and blue, The United States of América flag, stars and stripes, the United States flag, USA flag, flag of America, American flag, old glory, starry banner

## FAQs

**What is the flag of the United States of America officially called?**
The official name is the Flag of the United States of America, though it is commonly referred to as Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, or the Star-Spangled Banner.

**When was the U.S. flag officially adopted?**
The flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, a date now celebrated annually as Flag Day in the United States.

**What does the U.S. flag represent?**
The flag represents the United States of America as a sovereign nation, with the fifty stars symbolizing the fifty states and the thirteen stripes representing the original thirteen colonies.

**What flag preceded the current U.S. flag?**
The Continental Union Flag, adopted on December 3, 1775, served as the first national flag of the United States before the current design was adopted.

**Is the U.S. flag related to the national anthem?**
Yes, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States, adopted in 1814, and references the flag through its title.

## Why It Matters

The flag of the United States of America matters as a foundational symbol of American democracy, unity, and national identity. It represents over two centuries of American history, from the Revolutionary War through modern times, serving as a visual embodiment of the nation's values and principles. The flag is displayed prominently at government buildings, military installations, and public institutions, and it plays a central role in patriotic ceremonies, holidays, and commemorations. Its design has become iconic worldwide, instantly recognizable as a symbol of American presence and influence. The flag also serves as a unifying emblem that represents all fifty states and the diverse population of the United States, making it a critical element of national cohesion and civic pride.

## Notable For

- One of the most widely recognized national flags in the world
- Features fifty stars representing all U.S. states, making it unique among national flags for its representation of a federal system
- Adopted on June 14, 1777, with a specific date now celebrated as Flag Day annually
- Known by multiple iconic nicknames including "Old Glory" and "Stars and Stripes"
- The design has been updated multiple times as new states joined the union
- Associated with the national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" through its name
- Flown at the White House, U.S. Capitol, and all federal buildings nationwide

## Body

### Historical Origins

The flag of the United States of America was officially adopted on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. This decision came nearly two years after the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and nearly a year after the Treaty of Paris (1783) would later recognize American independence from Britain. The flag replaced the Continental Union Flag, which had served as the first national flag of the United States since December 3, 1775. The adoption of the flag represented a formal declaration of national identity and unity among the thirteen original colonies as they fought for independence from British rule.

### Design and Symbolism

The flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes of equal width, alternating red and white, representing the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. The blue canton in the upper left corner contains fifty white stars, arranged in nine rows, with each star representing one of the fifty states in the Union. The stars are updated whenever a new state is admitted to the United States. The colors themselves—red, white, and blue—have been associated with British flags but were chosen to represent valor (red), purity (white), and vigilance (blue). The design has undergone several modifications since 1777, with the number of stars increasing from thirteen to fifty as new states were admitted to the union.

### National Significance

The flag holds profound significance as a symbol of American sovereignty and national unity. It is prominently displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, military installations, courthouses, schools, and private residences across the country. The flag is central to numerous patriotic observances, including Independence Day (July 4th), Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Flag Day (June 14th). The flag is also present at international venues during diplomatic events, sporting competitions, and ceremonial occasions, serving as a visual representation of American presence on the global stage.

### Related National Symbols

The flag is closely connected to "The Star-Spangled Banner," which became the national anthem of the United States in 1814. The anthem was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry, where the flag remained flying throughout the night. The title directly references the flag, cementing its role as a symbol of American resilience and victory. Additionally, the flag is associated with military vessels such as the USS Constellation, a 1960 Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier that served as a floating representation of American naval power.

### Cultural Impact

The flag has inspired countless works of art, literature, music, and film throughout American history. It appears in advertising, fashion, architecture, and popular culture, making it one of the most reproduced images in the world. The flag is also subject to the U.S. Flag Code, which establishes guidelines for its display, handling, and disposal. Various movements and organizations advocate for proper flag etiquette, and the flag is often used to express political viewpoints, patriotic sentiment, and national pride. Its image appears on currency, passports, government documents, and official seals, reinforcing its role as an emblem of American identity and authority.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. [A Capitol Fourth: The History of the American Flag. PBS](https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/history/old-glory/)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [How the Flag Came to be Called Old Glory. 2013](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-the-flag-came-to-be-called-old-glory-18396/)
5. [Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue: Star-Spangled Banner. Smithsonian Institution](https://www.si.edu/spotlight/flag-day/banner-facts)
6. [Source](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Stars_and_Stripes/3imJqEYWgk8C)
7. BBC Things
8. BabelNet
9. [United States | VexiWiki | Fandom](https://flags.fandom.com/wiki/United_States)
10. National Library of Israel
11. Name Suggestion Index