In recent years, the black and white American flag with a blue stripe has been used as a political statement, and much of its use was centered around the Black Rights Matter movement. A gray stripe is meant to represent correction officers, a yellow stripe represents dispatchers, a white stripe (on a gray and black American flag) represents the EMS departments, and a blue stripe is meant to represent police departments. This flag variation usually represents the public service industry and is a nod or a sign of support for those working as first responders. Many other black and white American flag variations exist, and each variation has a special meaning. What Other Variations of this Flag Exist? The red stripe flag has seen overwhelming support in the firefighter community, with 88% of firefighters and their departments supporting and approving the use of this flag. The black and white American flag with a thin red stripe represents firefighters. Because it is not an official flag, many police departments and fire departments will have specific policies prohibiting the use of unofficial flags in place of the national flag for the United States. Many people will choose to fly this flag at their personal residences to show support for the various services. The black and white American flag with a red stripe is not an official flag, so any person or organization can use it. It can also be used to preserve and honor the memory of those who have been killed while performing public duties. This version of the American flag is used to represent solidarity with the public services such as police officers and firefighters. A single stripe toward the bottom third of the flag will often be represented in a different color, such as red, yellow, or blue. Instead of a red, white, and blue flag, though, the colors are monochromatic, only featuring black and white.

It is common to find a flag similar to the traditional national flag of the United States, albeit with slightly different colors. Just Curious?: Your everyday questions, answered.When is the Black and White American Flag Used? Then, another act was passed in 1818 reverting to the original 13 stripes. The Smithsonian reports that the Act of January 13, 1794, allowed for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795. However, there was a brief period in which the American flag bore 15 stripes. Standard American flags always have 13 stripes, as established in the original 1777 statute. The numbers shake out to seven and six based on the first of the 13 stripes being red. PBS reports that the Continental Congress, on June 14, 1777, passed an act that established an official flag. The act read: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” There is not a specific reason for the number of red versus white stripes. This day in history: Congress adopts the stars and stripes Why are there 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes on the flag? The blue background behind the stars represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. However, PBS reports that, generally, red denotes hardiness and valor, while white symbolizes purity and innocence. The colors of the stripes do not have an officially designated meaning and are inherited from the British flag. The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the 13 original colonies at the country's founding. 7 star-spangled American flag home accents for summer What do the 13 stripes on the American flag represent?

American flag red stripes