The American flag is one of the most famous flags in the world. Almost everyone knows what it looks like. However, few actually know what the stars and the stripes mean and how it actually came to be.

The flag first came to be during the American Revolution. At this time, there were only a few stars as the stars represent the states that are part of the union. As time passed, more states joined in and the number of stars increased to 50. The latest state to join the union was Alaska.

The stripes in the flag represent the first or the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy during the revolution. These colonies were the Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.

As with all flags, there are rules as to how to display and how to treat the flag. For example, the flag is not to be dipped to any person or object unless it is a response to a salute from a foreign ship. Another thing is that the flag's edges should never touch the ground. This is viewed as a sign of respect.

Furthermore, if the flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated in order to give it honor. There are also particular days of the year that the American flag should be displayed at full staff. This is because the flag may play a vital role for those days.