What do the 13 stripes on the United States flag represent?

The 13 stripes on the United States flag represent the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies, which were established along the eastern coast of what is now the United States, were the birthplace of the nation’s independence movement. When the flag was adopted, the stripes symbolized the unity of these original colonies as they came together to form a new nation.

The design of the flag reflects this important historical context, with the stripes serving as a reminder of the struggle for independence and the foundation of American democracy. The use of red and white in the stripes further enhances their significance, as red symbolizes valor and bravery, while white represents purity and innocence. Understanding this connection between the flag and the nation’s founding helps to appreciate not only the flag's symbolism but also the historical events that shaped the United States.