On June 14, 1777, the Second Constitutional Congress adopted a flag with thirteen stripes and thirteen stars to represent our Nation, one star for each of our founding colonies. The stars were set upon a blue field, in the words of the Congress’s resolution, “representing a new constellation” in the night sky. What was then a fledgling democracy has flourished and expanded, as we constantly strive toward a more perfect Union.
1777年6月14日,第二屆制憲會議(Second Constitutional Congress)決定采用有十三道條紋和十三顆星星的旗幟來代表美國,每顆星代表一個創始殖民地。據制憲會議解釋,這些以一片藍色為背景的星星“代表夜空中的一個新星座”。隨著我們為建設更完美的聯邦而不斷努力,當時初生的民主體制已經發展壯大。
Through the successes and struggles we have faced, the American flag has been ever present. It has flown on our ships and military bases around the world as we continue to defend liberty and democracy abroad. It has been raised in yards and on porches across America on days of celebration, and as a sign of our shared heritage. And it is lowered on days of remembrance to honor fallen service members and public servants; or when tragedy strikes and we join together in mourning. Our flag is the mark of one country, one people, uniting under one banner.
在我們經歷的成功和斗爭中,國旗始終與我們同在。當我們繼續在海外捍衛自由民主時,它在我們的船艦和世界各地的軍事基地上飄揚。在慶祝節日時,它插遍美國各地的庭院和陽臺,象征著我們共享的傳統。在緬懷殉職的軍人和公仆時或在悲劇發生后集體哀悼時,我們會降半旗志哀。我們的國旗標志著一個國家及全體人民在一面旗幟下團結一心。
When the American flag soars, so too does our Nation and the ideals it stands for. We remain committed to defending the liberties and freedoms it represents, and we give special thanks to the members of the Armed Forces who wear our flag proudly. On Flag Day, and during National Flag Week, we celebrate the powerful beacon of hope that our flag has become for us all, and for people around the world.
當國旗升起時,我們的國家及國旗所代表的理想也隨之弘揚。我們堅定不移地捍衛它所代表的自由,也對身著國旗并為之自豪的軍人表達特別的謝忱。在國旗日和國旗周期間,我們贊頌國旗,對于我們乃至全世界人民,它代表著一座強大的希望燈塔。