The Flag of the United States of America is a symbol of freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. It is made up of thirteen alternating red and white stripes and fifty white stars on a blue field, with each star representing a state.
The colors on the flag represent:
Red: valor and bravery
White: purity and innocence
Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice
In August 1949, President Harry S. Truman proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1966 Congress designated the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week, and encourages Americans to display the flag outside their homes and businesses. Although Flag Day is not celebrated as a federal holiday, Americans everywhere continue to honor the history and heritage it represents.
As a national symbol, there are certain guidelines for displaying the flag of the United States, and these have been enshrined in law. If you require additional information or direction on the federal level with regard to flag protocol, please call the Ceremonials Division of the Department of State's Office of Protocol at 1-202-647-1735.
Additional Resources:
U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter 1: The Flag
Flying the American Flag at Half-Staff
Ordering a Flag Flown over the United States Capitol
Correct Method of Folding the Flag
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Policy on Flag-Folding Recitations

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Flying the American Flag at Half-Staff
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American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
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The American Bar Association/State and Local Bar Associations
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GSA Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
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GSA National Customer Service Center