Flag of Missouri

The current flag of the U.S. state of Missouri was formally introduced in 1913.

Shaping

The flag was designed and sewn by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver (1885-1959), wife of former State Senator RB Oliver, in Jackson. Their design has not changed to this day.

History

The flag consists of three horizontal stripes in red, white and blue. These represent courage, purity, vigilance and justice. These colors also reflect the historical status of the state as part of the French colony of Louisiana. In the center of the white band is the seal of Missouri, surrounded by a blue ribbon with 24 stars, representing Missouri's admission as 24th state of the United States.

The shield is surrounded by a tape with the English state motto:

" United we stand, divided we fall. "

Among the Latin motto:

" Salus populi suprema lex esto. "

" The welfare of the people be the supreme law. "

Again, including stands in Roman numerals the year 1820 ( MDCCCXX ).

The bald eagle in the seal holds in its claws olive branches as symbols of peace and arrows as a sign of war. Thus the power of the central government should be inferred. In the other fields of the seal still a Grizzly Bear and a half crescent moon is shown. The Grizzly stands for strength and courage of the citizens. The half- crescent moon, the heraldic symbol of the second son, Missouri symbolizes the time of admission to the United States. Missouri was the second state, which was formed from the territory of the Louisiana Purchase out.

Supporters are two bears.