How many stars on the American flag, and what do they mean?

Each country has its own flag.America is no exception.For the citizens of the United States mean a lot concepts such as patriotism, motherland, sense of duty to her, and so on. D. Therefore, they are very sensitive to their national symbols - the flag of the USA.For Americans, this is not just a normal flag, and a universal symbol of their nation.

US flag with its stars and stripes - is the main official symbol of America.The flag is a rectangular cloth with the image on it red and white, and alternating between horizontal stripes and a blue square with numerous stars.And each color of the American flag has its value.Red symbolizes the blood spilled founding colonies and white - the moral principles on which were based the USA.

course, all seen with his American flag stars and stripes.But not everyone knows how many stars on the American flag, which they are set.And this is quite an interesting question.After all, the US flag has changed many times in its history, and the number of stars it also remained unchanged.

So, in order to find out how many stars on the flag of America really is and what they symbolize, you need to turn to history.And the history of the American flag started from the day when the United States was proclaimed an independent state - July 4, 1776.Until that moment, the country had its own official flag.Therefore, the first version of the American flag instead of the current star was the symbol of the United Kingdom.He was called "continental flag."The next year and a half, this flag carried the North American revolutionaries under the command of George Washington.

However, everyone knew that the newly independent state needs its own, and its own unique character.Therefore, in June 1777 the Congress had approved a new official US flag.It appeared the UK instead of the symbol of the star.They came to symbolize the associated states.So, how many stars on the American flag has been from the beginning?13 states - 13 Stars.

According to tradition, the first American flag seamstress Betsy Ross produced from Philadelphia to the US Independence Day.And the day when it was adopted by the Congress (14 June) celebrated in America until now as the Flag Day.

Throughout the history of the United States the number of stars on the flag has changed several times.For example, in 1795 the United States acceded to the two State: Kentucky and Vermont, and the number of stars on the flag has been increased to 15. It was this flag was called "The banner, full of stars."And so it happened every time a new State joined the United States.The longest lasted banner with 48 stars (1912-1959).

So, how many stars on the American flag today?

In 1960, the United States joined in the last state - Hawaii.At the time when he became a part of the country, the flag broke out last, 50th asterisk.And to this day the American flag consists of 13 stripes and 50 stars.

However, in 2012, negotiations are already underway to make official the 51st state of America Puerto Rico.And the United States Army Institute of Heraldry has even prepared a proposal on the future design changes flag.

Now you know exactly how many stars on the American flag.As well as the fact that they represent the number of US states.