Proudly hailed centuries and several iterations since its introduction, the American flag continues to be a symbol of unity and resilience for citizens of not only the nation but the world. Its 13 stripes represent the original colonies, and it bears a star for each of the 50 states. Songs and poems have been penned in its honor, and American flags—probably bleached white by the sun—are still planted on the moon.
Whether waving atop government buildings, folded neatly at the tombs of soldiers or flying over a stadium as thousands of baseball fans sing its origin story, the stars-and-stripes stands as a symbol of what we aim to be. Take a look. July 2, 2026 Scientists Say They've Made Cells That Feed, Grow and Reproduce, Bringing Them One Step Closer to Building Life From Scratch July 2, 2026 3D Printing Gives New Life to an Ancient Game Board Discovered at a Roman Fort Near Hadrian's Wall in England July 2, 2026 Puzzled by Mark Rothko's Captivating Color Field Paintings?
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Originally reported by Smithsonian.