The American flag is a symbol of freedom and patriotism, but before the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag in 1777, many other flags were flown. As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, here’s a look at a few of the various United States flags flown during combat by soldiers, sailors, Marines and militia during the American Revolutionary War. Today, the American flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes and Old Glory, serves to unite the nation and inspire patriotism. Although military units have their own colors, all fly the American flag higher, giving it the most prominent position.   The Hopkinson flag  Most historians agree that Francis Hopkinson was the designer of the first official American flag. On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Hopkinson flag, calling it the Stars and Stripes. Since there were only 13 states then, the design featured 13 stripes and 13 six-pointed stars arranged in rows on the field of blue. He also designed a v...