The flag of
Virginia consists of the Seal of Virginia against a blue
background. The current version of the flag was adopted at the
beginning of the American Civil War in 1861. The flag is decorated
with a white fringe along the fly.
The Latin motto, "Sic semper tyrannis," at the bottom of the state
seal means "Thus Always to Tyrants." This quote is attributed to
Brutus during the assassination of Julius Caesar in Rome. The
woman is "Virtus the genius of the Commonwealth, dressed as an
Amazon" (Code of Virginia § 7.1-26) and represents Virginia. The
prostrate man represents tyranny; note the fallen crown to the
right. The Tyrant is holding both a chain and a scourge.
The General Assembly of Virginia adopted an official salute to the
flag of Virginia in 1954. It reads:
“ I salute the flag of Virginia,
with reverence and patriotic devotion
to the ‘Mother of States and Statesmen,’
which it represents—the ‘Old Dominion,’
where liberty and independence were born.
Sterling Silver Charm of Virginia |
