The American flag is a powerful symbol of freedom, unity, and patriotism for the United States. The standard American flag has 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies, along with 50 white stars on a blue canton representing the 50 states. However, some variations on the traditional red, white, and blue American flag have emerged over the years, including versions with just blue and white stripes. These flags have their own meanings and histories behind them. In this article, we’ll explore what an American flag with only blue and white stripes signifies.
History of the American Flag
The first official national flag of the United States was the Continental Colors or Grand Union Flag, consisting of 13 alternating red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in the canton. This flag was used from late 1775 until June 1777, when the Stars and Stripes design we know today was adopted. The Star Spangled Banner with 13 stripes and 13 stars in a circle was mandated by the Flag Resolution of 1777. Later flag acts and executive orders added more stars to the flag as more states joined the union, eventually reaching the modern 50-star design in 1960 after Hawaii became a state.
While the basic design of the American flag has stayed consistent, some variations have emerged over time. During the Revolutionary War, regimental flags and naval ensigns sometimes used blue stripes instead of red. One early example was the Serapis flag flown from the captured HMS Serapis during John Paul Jones’ famous victory in 1779. The Serapis flag had 13 alternating red and white stripes with a rattlesnake and the words “Don’t Tread on Me” in the canton. When the flag was damaged in battle, it was repaired with stripes of blue and white canvas
