I often wonder why the statute says 48 stars when allegedly we have 50 states;
Alaska and Hawaii were allegedly admitted to the states in 1959, pursuant to the statutes there is only 48. I have to assume I guess that 4 U.S. Code §2 makes where they do not have to go in and update 4 U.S. Code §1 to read fifty.
Somehow I believe it's more than that.
4 U.S. Code § 1. Flag; stripes and stars on
The flag of the United States shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars, white in a blue field.
(July 30, 1947, ch. 389, 61 Stat. 642.)
4 U.S. Code § 2. Same; additional stars
On the admission of a new State into the Union one star shall be added to the union of the flag; and such addition shall take effect on the fourth day of July then next succeeding such admission.
(July 30, 1947, ch. 389, 61 Stat. 642.)
