The United States flag, also known as the American flag, is a powerful symbol of the country's history and values. The flag features thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating between red and white, and a blue rectangle in the canton with fifty white stars. The stars represent the fifty states of the union, while the stripes recall the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. The flag is often displayed at government buildings, public events, and patriotic gatherings. It is a unifying symbol for the American people and is revered around the world as a beacon of freedom and democracy. The flag's design has evolved over time, with the number of stars changing to reflect the admission of new states to the union.