What did the 1777 United States flag resolution require for the Stars and Stripes?

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flag shapes — flag Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).

The 1777 resolution by the Continental Congress formally established the first official national flag of the United States, known as the Stars and Stripes.

The resolution mandated two specific requirements for the design:
* Stripes: The flag was to consist of thirteen stripes, alternating red and white.12
* Union: The union (canton) was to feature thirteen white stars on a blue field, representing a "new constellation".12

Notably, the 1777 resolution did not specify the exact layout or arrangement of the stars, which led to various designs being used by flag makers at the time, such as circular patterns or rows.12