Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

The flag features 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies that declared independence from British rule and formed the United States. These colonies—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—are foundational to the nation's history. Each stripe symbolizes a colony's contribution to the establishment of the United States, reflecting the country's early struggle for independence and unity. This design element serves as a reminder of the origins of the republic and honors the unity of the original colonies in the quest for freedom. Other options relate to amendments, states, or historical documents, but they do not accurately capture the significance of the stripes on the flag.