The American flag is a vital part of our culture even from the start with its controversial beginnings.

It has lived for over two hundred years and two World Wars.

The flag went through a lot of changes symbolically and physically in times of achievement and crisis

In times of the Vietnam War, the flag had contradicting meanings that divided the nation however by Gulf War it was a unifying force.

In September 11, 2001 it was a sign of pride and hope.

Though the American flag was dirty and tattered flying above the debris of the World Trade Center, it, like our nation would triumph.

Not like other countries, America only has two national representations which are the American Flag and the bald eagle.

While the bald eagle is internationally known, the American flag is a representation recognized worldwide.

The flag is the inspiration behind holidays, artwork, books, poems, songs and more.

It has been utilized to display rebellion, nationalism and all things in between.

The flag is so central that its history also narrates the history of America itself.

-Continental Colors that was also acknowledged as the Grand Union flag, the Union flag, the Continental flag, the Somerville flag and the Great Union

It was designed with a British Union Jack in the canton with thirteen alternating red and white bands.

-Thought to be the first American flag though it was not official.

– It was considered by the Maritime Committee of Continental Congress as the authorized flag of the American Naval Forces.

In the years 1775-17777, the thirteen stars Betsy Ross Flag was the first Formal flag of the United States.

The 13 stars and 13 stripes designed in the flag symbolize the 13 colonies.