The original flag of Colonial America was the British Red Ensign: A red flag with the King's Colors in the upper left corner of the flag. At one point, someone sewed six white stripes on this flag which turned the red field into a field of 13 red and white alternating stripes. This was done to represent the 13 Colonies of British America. This altered flag was called the Continental Colors or the Grand Union Flag.
The 13 stripes in the American flag represent the original 13 colonies . The 50 stars represent the States and a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind.
Red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and boys and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American mothers and daughters. White stripes stand for liberty and equality for all. blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.