The American flag has 13 stripes, alternating between red and white, and 50 white stars set against a blue background in the upper left corner. The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies at the countrys founding, which were Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The colors of the stripes do not have an officially designated meaning, but generally, red denotes hardiness and valor, while white symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.