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What does the American flag stand for?

I'm unsure if you are asking what the American flag stands for literally or figuratively.

Literally, the thirteen stripes on the flag represent the thirteen original colonies. The fifty stars represent the fifty current states.

Figuratively, the flag stands for freedom and democracy. It represents the unity of America, our common cause, and the hope for a better tomorrow.

The American flag stands for the United States of America. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. Each of the stars signifies one of the 50 states.

My answer to this question is that the American Flag is a SYMBOL that reflects the many attributes that makes up the United States.  In the pledge of allegiance, we say, I pledge allegiance to the FLAG...and to the republic for which it stands....

The flag is a symbol that stands for our country! It means many things. Obviously the stars and stripes represent the states/colonies.  But do you realize that the colors of the flag are also symbolic?  What about the stars?  Do you think they are to have a meaning?

What inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem?  The flag that he could see by the "Dawn's Early Light".

Check out this link for more information about the American Flag!

http://www.usflag.org/iamtheflag.html 

The flag stands for the UNITED STATES of AMERICA and the struggles that it has endured and the people that have fought to protect its freedoms!  There is so much more to appreciate than just a few stars and stripes!

In reply to #2: thanks for replying . i appreciate it.

In reply to #3: thanks for replying. i appreciate it.

In reply to #4: thanks for your help. but what EXACTLY do the colors stand for? And are they symbolic?

Liberty, justice, equality, cooperative effort, pride, glory, and much more.  I really do not believe that we should allow flag burning in our country since its such a great symbol of the greatness of America. Men and women have fought in the name of that flag, it is ridiculous that our government has not yet banned flag burning.

There is no official answer as to the symbolism of the colors in the flag.  However, there are some traditions.  Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, said they stand for the following:

Red - Hardiness and valor

White - Purity and innocence

Blue - Vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Red, white and blue is a very common color combination for flags around the world.  Probably the most important connection is to the Union Jack -- the flag of the United Kingdom.  Even though the colonies had won independence from Britain, they probably also wanted to acknowledge their common heritage.

It has been said that the colors of the American flag were chosen in likeness to those of the French:  The red is the blood shed for liberty, the white for equality, and blue for fraternity/brotherhood.

Knowing that Thomas Paine and others spoke with philosophers such as Voltaire and  that Benjamin Franklin spent a good amount of time in France--there are yet descendents of his there--one is led to believe in this similarity.