The national flag of the USA comprises of 50 stars and 13 stripes, which represent respectively the 50 states of the USA and the 13 original colonies, which declared their independence and formed the United States of America in 1776 (the original 13 states are: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island). The color white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness(大胆，强大) & valor (勇气), and blue, vigilance(警醒), perseverance & justice.
Across the breast of the eagle is a shield with 13 alternating red and white stripes (the pales) representing the 13 original states. Note that the stripes alternate in opposite fashion from the stripes on the national flag. On the seal the stripes begin and end with a white stripe, while on the flag the first and last stripe are red. Across the top of the shield is a blue field (chief) that unites all the stripes into one. The blue chief represents the United States Congress. In his talons the eagle grasps an olive branch representing peace, and 13 arrows representing war. These demonstrate the Americans’ desire for peace but their willingness to defend with might, the Nation the Seal represents. Above the eagle are thirteen stars inside a circular design, representing a "New Constellation", the same constellation referred to in the blue union of the of the United States Flag. In his beak the eagle grasps a flowing ribbon bearing the first MOTTO of the United States: E Pluribus Unum. These Latin words are translated "Out of many, One", reminding the people in the US that out of many States was born One new Nation.
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