The Meaning of Red, White and Blue on the American Flag

I have wondered if these colors had any meaning so I did a little Google search. This is what I found on this site:

From the book Our Flag published in 1989 by the House of Representatives:
"On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers' beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not become a reality until June 20, 1782. In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red, white and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; white signifies purity and innocence, red, hardiness and valour, and blue, the color of the chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."

To honor our Flag and Independence Day I share the birds that I feel represent these ideals.

• Mute Swan for purity and innocence...cause they are "mute."

• Northern Cardinals are known for valor and being hardy birds.

• Blue Jays do monitor the yard like they are chiefs and persevere.... I'm not so sure about the justice part. They have this mean/bossy side. 

Happy Independence Day, America!!!