Flag and seal of Virginia

Commonwealth of Virginia
UseCivil and state flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagReverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Proportion2:3
AdoptedMarch 28, 1912 (1912-03-28)[1] (standardized February 1, 1950)[2][N 1]
DesignAn obverse of the state seal on an azure field.
Designed byCharles Keck[3][4]

The Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia is the official seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a U.S. state. The state flag of Virginia consists of the obverse of the seal against a blue background. A state flag was first adopted at the beginning of the American Civil War in April 1861, readopted in 1912,[1] and standardized by the General Assembly in February 1950.[2] The standing allegorical female figure of virtue is shown having vanquished tyranny, symbolized by a fallen king at her feet. She has an exposed breast in the manner of classical depictions of Amazons. The motto Sic semper tyrannis means "Thus always to tyrants."

It is one of three US state flags (along with New York and New Jersey) with a depiction of a woman, and the only state flag in the U.S. depicting toplessness.

The flag may be decorated with a white fringe along the fly edge; this is usually done when the flag is displayed indoors.[5][6]

  1. ^ a b Commonwealth, Virginia Secretary of the (December 13, 2018). "Report of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia" – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b "§ 1-506. Flag of the Commonwealth". Code of Virginia. Commonwealth of Virginia. February 1, 1950. Retrieved January 28, 2015 – via Virginia Law. The flag of the Commonwealth shall be a deep blue field, with a circular white centre of the same material. Upon this circle shall be painted or embroidered, to show on both sides alike, the coat of arms of the Commonwealth, as described in § 1-500 for the obverse of the great seal of the Commonwealth; and there may be a white fringe on the outer edge, furthest from the flagstaff. This shall be known and respected as the flag of the Commonwealth. (Code 1950, § 7-32; 1966, c. 102, § 7.1-32; 2005, c. 839.)
  3. ^ "The Great Seal of Virginia at the Capitol of Virginia". 6 Hour Day. June 2, 2005. Archived from the original on March 22, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  4. ^ "Charles Kek: Sculptor (1871–1951)" (PDF). Century Archives. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  5. ^ Wyatt, Rick (August 8, 2017). "Virginia (U.S.)". Flags of the World. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  6. ^ "3X5 Indoor VA Flag (Parade) with Fringe, Tassel". Store: Department of General Services. Commonwealth of Virginia. Archived from the original on January 30, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015.


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