people became aware of nine stars on American flags on official government websites. This is, of course, in stark contrast to the actual American flag, which features 50 stars and 13 stripes.

Because it's not a mark of disrespect to them; it's a mark of respect to the American flag. And they take it so seriously that it must always face forward. Now, on a flagpole that puts the stars ...

In general, however, straight rows of stars and proportions similar to those later adopted officially were used. The principal acts affecting the flag of the United States are the following: ...