2023 U.S. Flag Forever Postage Stamps Coil First-Class

The flag serves as a visual reminder of the array of freedoms that Americans enjoy. Its design dates to 1777 when the Continental Congress specified 13 horizontal stripes and 13 stars to honor the 13 original colonies. Various versions of the early flag continued to be used until, in 1818, the U.S. Congress standardized the design, mandating 13 stripes forever but a star for every state. Another act of Congress, in 1947, set the date for each new star's official addition to the flag as the July 4 following the state's admission to the Union. The last time the flag changed was July 4, 1960, after Hawaii achieved statehood the previous August.

Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp with existing art by Hong Li.