West Virginia Flag History

Adopted: March 7, 1962

West Virginia Flag Design: A pure white field bordered on four sides by a stripe of blue with the coat of arms of West Virginia in the center, wreathed by Rhododendron maximum and topped by an unfurled red ribbon reading “State of West Virginia.”

By Senate Joint Resolution Number 18, approved by the Legislature March 7, 1929, West Virginia adopted the present West Virginia Flag. The resolution in part is as follows:

“That the Legislature of West Virginia hereby adopts a State Flag of the following design and proportions, to-wit:

The proportions of the flag of the State of West Virginia shall be the same as those of the United States ensign; the field shall be pure white, upon the center of which shall be emblazoned in proper colors, the coat-of-arms of the State of West Virginia upon which appears the date of the admission of the State into the Union, also with the motto, ‘Montani Semper Liberi’ (Mountaineers Are Always Free). Above the coat-of-arms of the State of West Virginia, there shall be a ribbon lettered, ‘State of West Virginia,’ and arranged appropriately around the lower part of the coat-of-arms of the State of West Virginia a wreath of Rhododendron maximum in proper colors. The field of pure white shall be bordered by a strip of blue on four sides. The flag of the State of West Virginia when used for parade purposes shall be trimmed with gold-colored fringe on three sides and when used on ceremonial occasions with the United States ensign, shall be trimmed and mounted in a similar fashion to the United States flag as regards fringe, cord, tassels, and mounting.”

Joseph H. Diss Debar, an artist from Doddridge County, was chosen by a committee of the Legislature to prepare drawings for an official seal for the State of West Virginia. The artist submitted his drawings with an explanation of each detail and from these was adopted, by the Legislature, a seal which has remained without change, the Official Seal of West Virginia.

The seal contains the Latin motto, Montani Semper Liberi, which means “Mountaineers Are Always Free.” A large stone in the center of the seal stands for strength. On the stone is the date the State was admitted to the Union, June 20, 1863. The farmer with his ax represents agriculture, and the miner holding his pick represents the industry. In front of the rock are two rifles, crossed and surmounted at the place of contact by the Phrygian cap, or cap of liberty, indicating that freedom and liberty were won and will be maintained by the force of arms. While the seal was designed and adopted with two sides, only the front side is in common use. The Constitution of West Virginia, Article 2, Section 7, provides that:

“The present seal of the state, with its motto ‘Montani Semper Liberi,’ shall be the great seal of the State of West Virginia, and shall be kept by the secretary of state, to be used by him, officially as directed by law.”

The reverse side of laurel and oak leaves, log houses, hills, factories, and boats is the Governor’s Official Seal.

 

West Virginia Flag Pledge of Allegiance

On February 8, 1977, the office of the Secretary of State of West Virginia unanimously adopted the “Pledge of Allegiance to the West Virginia State Flag.” The motion to adopt the pledge was made by Charles S. Smith and seconded by Carol J. Calvert. The pledge reads as follows:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of West Virginia, which serves as a constant reminder that “Mountaineers Are Always Free,” which stands as a symbol of her majestic mountains, fertile forests, rich veins of coal, and the pride of her people.”

 

NOT ALL WEST VIRGINIA STATE FLAGS ARE THE SAME!

HERE’S WHY…

Extra care is taken in making these flags. Flag designs are researched to ensure that they are authentic and current. We use sturdy fabrics, allowing the flags to be flown outdoors, indoors, or carried in parades.

Constructed with 100% Heavy Duty Nylon (digital dyed) ★ Beautiful, brilliant colors ★ Resistant to wear and tear of sun & rain ★ Complete with heavy canvas heading & brass grommets to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses.

• All outdoor flags are finished with heavy-duty thread, polyester heading, brass grommets, and four needle fly hem
• State flags constructed to precise specifications
• Flies in the slightest breeze
• Proudly Made in the USA
• Beautiful Presentation – This West Virginia Flag makes an excellent gift for friends, parents, or to PROUDLY display on your HOME or OFFICE.

 
HEAVY-DUTY NYLON OUTDOOR STATE FLAGS WITH SOLAR SHIELD

Our most popular and versatile outdoor West Virginia flag, USA Flag Co. flags offer the optimum combination of elegance and durability for every purpose. The 100% nylon material provides a rich, lustrous appearance. Our flags have superb wearing strength due to the material’s superior strength-to-weight ratio and will fly in the slightest breeze. State flags are finished with strong, polyester canvas headings and spurred brass grommets, and four needle fly hem. The result is a flag that will be flown with pride year after year.

SOLAR SHIELD

• Rich, Vivid Colors
• Durable
• Fire-Resistant
• Mothproof
• Mildew Resistant
• Sheds Water
• Lightweight for Flyability

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