What does the American flag represent to the American citizens?

Answer 1

[Partially correct answer] The American flag is the symbol of America, and of all that America has struggled to do, through many terrible wars, economic depressions, and other national crises. Americans have fought for America, and many have given their lives for America. Hence, America does mean something, and so does its flag. [read the following]

Technically, ours is the "flag of the United States" NOT the "American flag."

The flag of the United States is not necessarily a symbol of "struggles" and "terrible wars." It is a symbol of liberty, of freedom, of justice, of human rights, and of the principles that our unique Constitution guarantees its citizens.

The flag of the United States of America is our symbol of freedom: Freedom from the tyranny of the former King of England (George III) and the British Parliament, plus many individual freedoms including the freedom of religion, of the press, from illegal searches, etc. The 13 red and white stripes represents the first 13 states who declared and fought for their independence from Great Britain and formed the Unites States of America. The stars represent the 50 states of the USA, "forming a new constellation" as stated in the June 14, 1777 Congressional Flag Resolution.

The United States is one of (if not the most) patriotic nation in the free world. We celebrate our patriotism by the display of our flag and by singing the National Anthem at most public events. When we "Pledge our Allegiance" to the flag we are recognizing the freedoms that we have come to expect and the unique foundations of our great nation.