In Your Heart Where it Belongs

White text on a black background and over an illustration of an American flag in the shape of a heart

 The United States flag is symbolic of freedom, courage, and strength. The first official flag of the United States was the Stars and Stripes, featuring thirteen alternating red and white stripes and thirteen white stars on a blue background. Sometimes referred to as the "Betsy Ross" flag, the Continental Congress approved its design on June 14, 1777.  On May 1, 1795, the second Flag Resolution mandated new stars and stripes be added when new states were admitted to the Union. The third and last Flag Resolution of 1818 declared the number of stripes would remain thirteen, but the number of stars would always match the number of states. The Resolution stated that these updates were to be made on the Fourth of July. The text here—combined with a heart filled with the United States flag—expresses a love for the United States, pride in the flag, and suggests it is to be kept close to one's heart.