American Flag Stars: A History of Change

Current Design

The current design of the US national flag, consisting of 50 white stars on a blue canton with a field of 13 alternating stripes (7 red and 6 white), has been in effect since July 4, 1960.

Modifications and Significance

The flag's design has been modified officially 26 times since 1777. The 48-star flag was in effect for 47 years, the longest period of any design. Each star represents one state, with the addition of 50 stars signifying the current number of states in the United States.

The flag represents national unity, patriotism, and the history of the nation's formation and growth.