Many are hoisted throughout our Nation today from mostly home flagpoles, and at times other objects. The five main category types of standards are (number one:) those that display emblems that relate to the war of independence. The second group of flags are those that have a relation with the Confederacy. The 3rd group are those state flags that were in fact designed before states actually joined the Union. Another category are the flags that tie into historic militias. And then finally there are the designs of standards that came forth as a result of more local situations.
Before independence each colony had a seal and sometimes also a coat of arms, but none of them had a flag. However, flags for militia units were produced, regional badges were invented, and uniforms came about. In many cases these influenced the flags later accepted as the state flags within the U.S.A.
The flag of FL, for example, is very much a historic flag. It features a red colored saltire, which is a diagonal cross, on a white field. The seal of the state is placed right on top The flag’s design was approved around the 1900′s.
The flag of the state of Ohio is unique in its design since it is non-rectangular in form. It was first flown in the year 1902, and John Eisemann made the design. This guidon displays five horizontal stripes in the colors red and white. A blue triangle or chevron is displayed on the left side of the flag. Within the chevron seventeen white stars are found as well as red and white colored O.
The flag of Massachusetts was double sided for a long time during the last century. The back side showed a tree, one of the oldest colonial emblems. The coat of arms has remained unchanged. The motto on the scroll means “Searching with a sword for peace and liberty.”
Utah’s state flag came forth in ’13. A newly designed flag of this state was produced in 2011. This flag also has a blue field, and featured the seal of Utah encircled in a gold colored circle or ring in the middle.
Then there is New Jersey. The arms date from the 18th century, and the buff field represents the color worn by the state regiments during the War of Independence.
My dad probably taught me the greatest facts on state standards. They aren’t hard to find since many American fly their state flags from home flag poles.
From an early age, I have always had a special interest in steel flag poles.
