The national flag of the United States of America is known as the Stars and Stripes. The union consists of white stars, the ancient symbol of sovereignty, against a blue background. There are as many stars as there are states in the United States. The field of the flag consists of seven red stripes separated by six white stripes. The thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. Congress chose the same colors for the great seal of the United States in 1782. It was indicated that the red stood for hardiness and valor, the white for purity and innocence, and the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.