Every national flag tells a story. Stitched into the colors, symbols, and patterns of these rectangular pieces of cloth are centuries of history, sacrifice, cultural identity, and national aspiration.

The United States turned 250 this summer, and to celebrate, we shot off fireworks and went to parades and, above it all, waved the American flag. Why is that? “Every country on Earth, for the most ...

Flags originated on battlefields as a means of identification and hierarchy. Over the years, they have evolved to incorporate symbols significant to the countries they represent. Click through as we ...