All people living in the United States can easily recognize their national flag. The American flag also comes in many names like the Stars and Stripes, the Star Spangled Banner, the Red White and Blue and Old Glory. Regardless of the name used, the same flag features the sentimental piece with a blue background and several silver stars at the upper left part. There are 13 red and white horizontal stripes in all on most of the flag.
The 13 horizontal stripes stand for the first thirteen colonies that successfully gained their independence and led the freedom of the United States from colonial rule in 1776. The silver stars stand for the current states and land of the present country. Should more states be added to the United States, more stars will also be present.
The continental colors were chosen by a number of congressmen during the revolution, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Lynch and Benjamin Harrison. The flag already featured the 13 red and white horizontal stripes but also included the British Union flag. When independence was achieved, George Washington had Betsy Ross design a new United States flag. The flag that you see today is the same one that was first flown in 1777.
As more states were added to the list, the US flag was also changed. The red and white stripes and stars continued to represent each new state that was added. President Monroe officially limited the red and white stripes to thirteen in 1818 but the stars were adjustable as long as new states were added.
Even today, there is no official star arrangement so patterns vary.