Flag Day, June 14
A 51st state? How it could change the flag
The old Stars and Stripes could change its look if another state is added, but some things will stay the same.
Puerto Rico has often been considered for statehood. Even the District of Columbia is being considered for statehood.
Only the number and arrangement of stars in the blue field would change. The 13 stripes remain the same to symbolize the original 13 colonies.
The star arrangement today hasn't changed since Hawaii was admitted to the union on July 4, 1960.
Today's 50 stars are arranged in nine rows of alternating stars: 6-5-6-5-6-5-6-5-6.
One version of a 51-star flag would have six rows of stars in this pattern: 9-8-9-8-9-8
Another possible version is seven rows arranged 6-7-8-9-8-7-6. That makes a six sided polygon.
The Progressive Party of Puerto Rico has proposed the stars be arranged in a circle.
Designs have also already been made for 52 states and even 54 states.
