The flag is a symbol of the nation. It represents the purpose and resolve of the nation and was first expressed by our Founding Fathers who founded the new nation. The flag represents the history and future of our country. There is an excellent article on Wiki dealing with the flag. You can also read more about the flag at http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html
It depends which flag you're talking about. Some flags don't have any striped at all. All flags that do have stripes each have a different purpose for their stripes.
Many countries have more than one flag depending on the purpose (national flag for civilian use, national flag for government use, flag for use on warships (this is called an Ensign.)) The rays are only on the Japanese Ensign (Navy flag) The national flag is, and was during WW II just the rising sun (disk alone.) The Ensign of Japan today still has the rays on it. I suspect the reason you may think the rays went away is from WW II most of the pictures we see are of warships. After that... not so much.
The concept of a flag that may replace all flags is often represented by the "flag of humanity," which symbolizes global unity and peace. This idea promotes a single emblem that transcends national boundaries, representing shared human values and cooperation. While no official flag exists for this purpose, designs like the Earth flag or various symbols of peace and solidarity often embody this vision. Ultimately, the notion emphasizes collective identity over national divisions.
American flag
The US flag incorporates and has developed from the Union flag
2 All purpose flags are authorized. -The All-Weather (Storm) Flag -"All-Purpose" Flag
Same as for any other flag - to serve as a national symbol.
Surrender was expeted.
Subservience.
The flag of the United States was defined by the Continental Congress on June 14th, 1777. The initial purpose of the flag was to be flown on our sailing ships indicating that their country of origin.
to show respect. also if you're saluting a person, you look at them, so if you salute a flag, you should look at it.
Green Flag has developed the Green Flag Rescue application to pinpoint one's exact location by GPS and to enable someone to call for help when his or her car breaks down.
it shows respect to the inportant person who died
It depends which flag you're talking about. Some flags don't have any striped at all. All flags that do have stripes each have a different purpose for their stripes.
The ball at the top of the flag pole is probably just there for decoration. Or, it may simply be there to balance out the pole... who knows? But according to my friends, it's also to keep the flag from flying off the pole, too.
There is no such thing as the 'American flag'. Many people, incorrectly, call the US flag the American flag. This is obviously incorrect. There are many other countries in America with their own flag. As with any flag it is a symbol of nationalism. A 'tribe' or society on which values are built and held. Those values may vary within that society but there is usually an overall sense of identity and purpose.
No, it is not illegal to display a Confederate flag. It is a form of protected speech under the first amendment. However, if the purpose of the flag is to instill rebellion, initiate racial hatred or violence, or to oppress a minority, that is an actionable offense. That is why the flag can be banned from schools, police uniforms, etc.