characteristics of the redesigned flag
The Stripes
Red and white stripes AKA Blood & Bandages remain as is - representing the traditions of the first republic, all wars of participation and the history of domestic violence.
The Colors
The royal blue cantor (representing breaking away from the royalty), is replaced with the light blue of the United Nations flag. As the UN is fundamental to the second founding.
The Number of Stars
The flag now includes 61 stars representing 52 states; Douglas Commonwealth (DC) and Puerto Rico among them. Also including 9 larger gold stars representing the sovereign indigenous nations of the USA.
The Gold Stars
The gold stars are slightly larger in size. These stars represent the first Americans - the amalgamated nine sovereign indigenous nations.
The stars form an hourglass on the flag representing the passage of time (or for religious readers, the promise of a holy grail).
Blowing in the Wind
A ruffled flag "blowing in the wind" alas where the answer lies my friend. The answer is blowing in the wind.