The Alabama State Flag The State Flag of Alabama is a rectangular shape and features a red St. Andrew cross on a white background. The flag serves as a symbol of honor, heritage and regional pride and is displayed at state buildings. The Alabama State Flag is flown on national and state holidays and on any other days proclaimed by the governor. There is an Order of Precedence for flags. State Flags are displayed in order as they entered the Union.
Date entered the Union: 1819 Alabama is the 22nd state Date the flag was adopted:1895 Rectangular Ratio: 2:3
Facts on the Alabama State Flag Facts and information about flying the ensign and the display of the Alabama Flag:
Alabama State Flag - Display Facts
Fact 1: It may be flown every day in the 22nd state when weather permits
Fact 2: It may be flown from sunrise until sunset. If it is displayed outdoors in the "Heart of Dixie", it should be flown from a flagpole
Fact 3: The Alabama flag may be flown at night when properly lighted
Fact 4: The flagpole must be at least two and one-half times as long as the flag
Alabama State Flag
Square version - Ratio 1:1
Alabama State Car Flags Car Flags are often displayed to represent of an individual's allegiance to their state. Alabama State car flags are used by their owners as mobile emblems of their home. Car flags are usually made from strong materials and are attached to a car via a pole and clip window attachment.
History, Description, Colors and Symbols of the Alabama State Flag The Alabama flag is the official identifying symbol of the state, the design of which is established by law in the constitution of the "Heart of Dixie". What does the flag stand for? The colors, devices and emblems displayed on the Alabama State Flag are not arbitrary but have a definite symbolic meaning. The description, history and meaning of the symbols and colors of the Alabama State Flag are as follows:
Capital of Alabama: Montgomery Date of Statehood: 14 December 1819 (22nd state) "Heart of Dixie" Square Ratio: 1:1 Rectangular Ratio: 2:3
What is the design of the Alabama state flag?
The design is described as a saltire which is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross
The red diagonal cross is based on the Confederate war flag.
The design is a Crimson cross of St. Andrew in a field of white
What is the official description as detailed in the Alabama legislature?
"The flag of the State of Alabama shall be a crimson cross of St. Andrew on a field of white. The bars forming the cross shall be not less than six inches broad, and must extend diagonally across the flag from side to side."
What are the colors and what do the colors mean, or symbolize, in heraldry?
The color red is a symbol of hardiness, bravery, strength & valor
The color white is a symbol of peace and honesty
What is the shape and flag ratio? The 'Hoist' is the width and the 'Fly' is the length.
The ratio was originally 1:1 meaning it is 1 unit tall for every 1 unit wide - a square shape.
Over time the ratio changed to 2:3 meaning it is 2 units tall for every 3 units wide - a rectangular shape
The debate as to whether the design should be square of rectangular was referred to on June 29 1987 when Attorney General Don Siegelman suggested that "the modern state flag of Alabama should be rectangular in shape".
Who designed the Alabama State Flag?
The design adopted was an ancient device - the St. Andrew's cross
Saint Andrew is believed to have used this variant of the cross when preaching and is is said to have been martyred on such a cross
What is the history of the Alabama State Flag?
The St. Andrew's cross is also the symbol for the national flag of Scotland.
It should be noted that the St. Andrew's cross of Scotland is blue
The second national flag of the Confederate States of America, also known as "The Stainless Banner" and "Jackson" also used the design of the St. Andrew's cross
When was the Alabama State Flag officially adopted by the state's legislature? (Most US flags were designed in 19th & 20th centuries)
It was adopted on February 16, 1895
What is the Pledge of Allegiance and Salute?
The Pledge of Allegiance is as follows:
"Flag of Alabama I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance, my service, and my life."
The salute should be made by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
The Alabama flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state.
