How many stripes are on the U.S. flag and what do they represent?

The U.S. flag has thirteen stripes, which represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies are Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Each stripe alternates between red and white, symbolizing the valor and purity of the country's founders. This connection to the founding of the nation is significant in promoting the historical context of the flag and its representation of American unity and independence. The choice of thirteen stripes is an important aspect of American heritage, as it directly links to the country's origins and the unity necessary to establish independence.