New York State Flag

Description of the New York State Flag:  The state flag of New York was adopted in 1778. The flag very closely resembles the flag carried during the Revolutionary War by New York's Third Regiment. The New York Coat of Arms is centered in a field of blue. Symbolism in the New York State Flag:  New York's Coat of Arms features many symbolic images. In the center is a shield. The shield features a sun rising above three mountains, the Hudson Highlands. At the forefront, is the Hudson river with two ships passing--to represent commerce--and green shrubs lining the shore. Above the shield is a globe turned to show the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean. Perched above the globe is an eagle looking to the right, which is a good omen. Below the shield is a white banner that reads "Excelsior." Excelsior is the state motto and is Latin for "Ever Upward," to signify that New York is constantly searching for higher goals to accomplish. On either side of the shield are two women: Lady Liberty and Lady Justice. Lady Justice is blindfolded and holds a sword and scale, to represent the blind justice that will be enacted fairly. Lady Liberty holds a staff with a Phrygian cap (commonly known as a liberty hat) and a crown lays at her feet. Both the cap and the thrown crown represent New York's freedom from Great Britain.