The Flag of the State of Delaware consists of a buff-colored diamond on a field of colonial blue, with the coat of arms of the state of
Delaware inside the diamond. Below the diamond, the date December 7, 1787, declares the day on which Delaware became the first state to
ratify the United States Constitution. The colors of the flag reflect the colors of the uniform of General George Washington.
The coat of arms in the center of the flag was adopted on January 17, 1777. It depicts a shield of horizontal green, blue and white stripes.
On the stripes is a sheaf of wheat, an ear of corn, and an ox standing on grass, all representing Delaware's agriculture. Above the shield
is a sailing ship. Supporting the shield are a farmer on the left and a soldier on the right. The state motto, below the shield,
reads "Liberty and Independence". These symbols are also included on the Seal of Delaware.
The current flag was adopted on July 24, 1913. Regiments from Delaware during the American Civil War flew a similar flag with the state
coat of arms on a field of blue
|
