Why does the U.S. flag have 13 stripes?

The U.S. flag features 13 stripes to represent the 13 original colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies—Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island—were the foundation of the United States. The stripes are a significant symbol of America's history and the unity of these early settlements that came together to form a new nation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the historical context of the flag's design. While honoring famous leaders, recognizing amendments, or referencing historical significance may have merit, they do not directly relate to the specific number of stripes on the flag, which is firmly rooted in the legacy of the original colonies.