Flag of Delaware facts for kids
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| Name | Delawarean flag |
|---|---|
| Use | Civil and state flag |
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Adopted | July 24, 1913 |
The flag of Delaware is a special symbol for the state. It has a buff-colored diamond shape in the middle. This diamond sits on a colonial blue background. Inside the diamond, you'll see the coat of arms of the state. Below the diamond, there's an important date: December 7, 1787. This date shows when Delaware became the very first state to approve the Constitution of the United States. The colors of the flag, blue and buff, are like the uniform colors worn by General George Washington during the American Revolution.
The coat of arms in the center of the flag was officially chosen on January 17, 1777. It shows a shield with horizontal green, blue, and white stripes. On these stripes, you can see a bundle of wheat, an ear of corn, and an ox standing on grass. These symbols all represent Delaware's farming history. Above the shield, there is a sailing ship. On the left side of the shield, a farmer supports it. On the right side, a soldier stands. The state motto, found below the shield, says "Liberty and Independence". All these symbols are also part of the official seal of Delaware.
The flag we see today was officially adopted on July 24, 1913.
A Look at Past Flags
During the American Civil War, soldiers from Delaware used a flag that looked similar to the state's coat of arms. This design was placed on a blue background.
In 2001, a group called the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) did a survey. They ranked the design quality of 72 flags from Canadian provinces, U.S. states, and U.S. territories. Delaware's flag was ranked 52nd in this survey.
The Governor's Special Flag
The official flag for the governor of Delaware looks almost exactly like the state flag. However, it has a special gold fringe around its edges. Also, the pole that carries the governor's flag has a small model of a blue hen's fighting cock on top. This blue hen is another symbol of Delaware.
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Delaware para niños
