“In times of triumph or tragedy, of victory or defeat, of elation or sorrow, the symbols on our flag represent unity,” explains artist Judy Larson. “Despite our differences, and they are many, we pull together in crises, congratulate each other on both national as well as personal successes, and empathize with those who are suffering.

Can You Find the Spirit Within?

“'Stars and Stripes' incorporates thirteen stripes on the feather in the horse’s tail, 50 stars on the horse’s rump, and a hidden eagle on the horse’s face. All are symbols of our great land, the United States of America.”

One might ask why Judy chose a horse as the expression of our unity. Horses, of course, changed their way of life for the Native People, who used them to hunt, to carry, to trade, and for war. Pioneers used horses to settle the American West and then to develop the land. The decorated horse depicted in "Stars and Stripes", however, represents the unity enjoyed by both man and horse. Each relishes companionship and seek the security and safety provided by being together.