- Who designed the Illinois state flag and when was it adopted?
- What is the design on the Illinois state flag and what does it represent?
- How are you supposed to fly the Illinois flag with your American flag?
- Where can you buy a Illinois flag?
Who designed the Illinois state flag and when was it adopted?
The state flag of Illinois was designed by Miss Lucy Derwent, and was adopted on July 6, 1915. A bill to amend the original flag act of 1915 was passed and Mrs. Sanford Hutchinson re-designed the state flag by adding the state name and this new flag became the official state flag of Illinois on July 1, 1970. The design on the flag is from the State Seal of Illinois which was designed by Sharon Tyndale in 1868.
What is the design on the Illinois state flag and what does it represent?
The design on the state flag of Illinois is the State Seal placed centrally on a field of white. Below the seal is the state name, “Illinois”. The seal features a bald eagle, wings spread perched on a boulder. In its talons it holds a shield containing thirteen stars and thirteen stripes, that rests on an olive branch, and in its beak it holds a banner with the state motto: “STATE SOVEREIGNTY – NATIONAL UNION”. The dates 1818 and 1868 are on the boulder with a stretch of land with water and the rising sun in the background. Although “State Sovereignty” comes first in the motto, since Illinois was victorious in the American Civil War on the Union side fighting against state sovereignty, “State” was placed at the bottom and “Sovereignty” was flipped upside-down. The bald eagle represents American and its strength, and with its wings spread, it represents protection. The thirteen stars and stripes symbolize the original 13 colonies that were united to form the United States. The olive branch represents peace. The dates 1818 and 1868 represent the year of statehood of Illinois, and the year the current seal was adopted, respectfully.
How are you supposed to fly the Illinois flag with your American flag?
When flying the Illinois and American flag on the same pole, the flag of the United States must always be at the top and the Illinois flag should be the same size or smaller. When It is flown on separate poles, the Illinois will be to the right of the flag of the United States situating the U.S. flag in the position of honor, which is to the observer’s left of the other flags.
Where can you buy a Illinois flag?
Star Spangled Flag sells a beautiful Illinois flag that is 100% made by materials made in the USA! They use a tough material and add UV protection which adds to the longevity of the flag. They also use superior stitching that helps to prevent fraying and unraveling. A big plus is that they provide free shipping!
