What do the 13 stripes on the United States flag represent?

The 13 stripes on the United States flag represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. These colonies are significant as they laid the foundation for the United States, and each stripe symbolizes one of these historic regions—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. This design element serves as a constant reminder of the nation’s beginnings and the unity of these states in the struggle for independence. The 13 stripes alternate red and white, with red signifying valor and bravery, while white stands for purity and innocence, reflecting the values of the American Revolution.

The other options do not accurately represent the symbolism associated with the flag's stripes, as the amendments to the Constitution, colonial leaders, and stars do not correlate to the historical significance of these initial colonies.