Stars and stripes

Today is Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, back when we were a union of only 13 states, each represented by an alternating red or white stripe, and in a constellation of 13 white stars over a blue field.

Today’s flag, of course, bears 50 stars representing 50 states, arranged in nine horizontal rows over a blue canton. The 13 stripes remain intact, representing the original 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and became the first of our United States.

The flag is a symbol of unity and represents a long history of sacrifice, negotiation, and compromise for the greater good of our nation.

Take a moment to appreciate the flag today and what it stands for. As 247 years have proved, we are stronger together.