The current 50-star United States flag officially became the national flag on July 4, 1960.
The 50-star design followed Hawaii’s admission as the 50th state on August 21, 1959. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10834 on January 3, 1959, specifying the arrangement of stars for the expected new flag. The design placed five rows of six stars alternating with four rows of five stars.
The flag with 50 stars first flew officially on July 4, 1960, during President Eisenhower’s administration. The 50 stars represent the states, while the 13 stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies. The colors have traditional symbolic associations: red with valor, white with purity and innocence, and blue with vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
A common mix-up involves Alaska’s earlier admission. The 49-star flag became official on July 4, 1959, after Alaska joined the Union. Hawaii’s statehood produced the 50-star version, which remains the longest-used U.S. flag design.