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

The 13 stripes on the United States flag symbolize the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. These colonies formed the foundation of what would become the United States. The stripes are arranged horizontally, alternating red and white, and they serve to honor the history and heritage of these early colonies.

This choice reflects the historical significance of the original colonies, which include Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. Each stripe serves as a reminder of the struggle for independence and the unity of these early settlements in forming a new nation.