Why does the American flag have 13 stripes?

The American flag features 13 stripes specifically to honor the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—formed the foundation of the United States. The stripes on the flag are a lasting tribute to these original states, reflecting their importance in the nation’s history and its struggle for independence. The choice to use stripes as a symbol underscores the unity and shared purpose of these colonies as they came together to form a new nation.