What is the history of the Virginia flag?
Virginia adopted an official state flag in 1861 at the start of the civil war when it seceded from the Union. The flag has a deep blue field featuring the obverse side state seal in its center. An obverse side is the side that is meant to bear the principle design. The state seal of Virginia was adopted in 1776.
What was the first flag of Virginia?
A state flag was first adopted at the beginning of the American Civil War in April 1861, readopted in 1912, and standardized by the General Assembly in February 1950….Flag and seal of Virginia.
| Adopted | March 28, 1912 (standardized February 1, 1950) |
| Design | Obverse of the Seal of Virginia on an azure field |
| Designed by | Charles Keck |
What established the Virginia flag in 1776?
In 1776 the jurist George Wythe probably drew upon a book on Roman antiquities by Joseph Spence when he created the first Virginia state seal. It was made in two sizes and had distinctive designs on the obverse and reverse sides. The reverse showed women symbolizing liberty, eternity, and agriculture.
Why are the words Sic Semper Tyrannis on the Virginia state flag?
The Virginia State Motto, adopted in 1776, appears on the State Seal, symbolizing victory over tyranny. Virginia’s motto is Sic semper Tyrannis, meaning Thus ever unto tyrants. This is the original motto recommended for the Seal of Virginia by George Mason to the Virginia Convention in 1776.
What does the Virginia flag symbolize?
Meaning of the Flag This seal depicts the Roman virtue of Virtus, a symbol for peace. The figure holds a long spear and has a sword of authority that remains sheathed. She is posed in such a way that indicates victory. There are multiple symbols that represent Virginia’s freedom.
Why is Virginia called the Commonwealth?
Since 1776, Virginia has been a “commonwealth.” It associated with other colonies through a Continental Congress starting in 1775, and became part of a confederation with other former colonies in 1781. Virginia became one of the “united” states when the Constitution was ratified in 1788.
What state motto is for lovers?
Virginia
The timing was right in 1969 when the Virginia State Travel Service (now the Virginia Tourism Corporation) adopted what would become its world-renowned “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan.
How is a Commonwealth different from a state?
The distinction is in name alone. The commonwealths are just like any other state in their politics and laws, and there is no difference in their relationship to the nation as a whole. When used to refer to U.S. states, there is no difference between a ‘state’ and a ‘commonwealth’.
What does the Virginia state flag represent?
Virginia’s flag and state seal represent the victory of good over evil, the foundation upon which the state stands. Virginia’s state motto, ” Sic Semper Tyrannis “, appears on the flag. This Latin phrase translates to “thus always to tyrants”.
What is the state color of Virginia?
When it was adopted The flag was adopted in 1861 when Virginia seceded from the Union. The state flag of Virginia is set in a deep blue with a circle of white in the center. The blue in the flag symbolizes vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance and justice. The state seal depicts the state’s motto.
What is the Virginia state symbol?
Virginia State Symbol: The Northern Cardinal. With its distinct red feathers, or plumage, its deep orange beak, and a crest that resembles a well-groomed mohawk, the presence of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in Northern Virginia is unmistakable.
What was the colonial Virginia flag?
Colonial flag. image by Randy Young, 29 January 2001 The flag for Virginia was a red field with the inscription in white : VIRGINIA FOR CONSTITUTIONAL LIBERTY. source: Standards and Colors of the American Revolution [ ric82] Nick Artimovich, 2 May 1996.