All About the Arizona State Flag
The Arizona State Flag was formally adopted on February 17, 1917. Read on to find out the interesting facts and history of this state flag.
Arizona is a southwestern state in the United States of America. It is the location of the well-known Grand Canyon. It is a natural wonder that is a mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. Aside from this the state also has other nature-oriented sites like Saguaro National Park. Here the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape is being protected. It is the 6th largest and the 14th most populated out of all the 50 states. The capital of Arizona is Phoenix which is also the biggest city.
ARIZONA STATE FLAG HISTORY:
Colonel Charles W. Harris, a member of the Arizona National Guard was the team captain of Arizona’s Rifle team. In 1910, he designed a flag for the team when they attended the National Matches. Aside from Colonel Harris, the representative W.R. Stewart of Mesa collaborated with the making of the flag. Stewart’s wife Mae was said to have sewn the flag based on the conceptualized design drawn at the back of an envelope. The event was held in Camp Perry, Ohio.
The flag’s appearance was much welcomed. Since in the past competitions, Arizona was the only team that attended without a flag. During that time Arizona was not yet a state. It was on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became the 48th state in the United States of America. Due to this event, Arizona has also been nicknamed the Valentine State.
In 1917, Colonel Harris again working on the flag this time with representative Carl Hayden. Their work is to be the official Arizona state flag. The first state flag this time was sewn by Nan Hayden who is Carl’s wife. On February 17, 1917, the flag was formally adopted by Arizona’s Third Legislature. Soon it was passed into law through the governor of that time, Thomas Campbell did not sign the bill. No historical records are indicating why Governor Campbell did not act on the bill.
The Arizona state flag is deeply admired by many. In a survey conducted in 2001 for Norther American flags, it was included in the top 10. According to the North American Vexillological Association, it ranked 6th among the 72 flags accounted in the poll.
THE SYMBOLISM OF ARIZONA’S FLAG:
The Arizona state flag has a copper star on the middle of it. This represents the rich copper mining of Arizona. This state is the largest copper source in the whole of the United States. It is also called the Copper state since this industry is popular in Arizona. The upper and lower halves are divided equally and feature different colors.
The bottom part is in solid blue color. This stands for the mighty Colorado River that carved the majestic Grand Canyon. The shade of this blue is similar to the one available in the United States flag.
The top half displays thirteen alternating red and yellow rays which depict the original thirteen colonies. The order of the color is red, yellow and so on. It ends with red on both sides of the upper half. The colors red and yellow also represent the setting sun since Arizona is a western state. It is also about the red and yellow flags brought by Spaniards. It was in 1540 when they arrived in Arizona led by Coronado.
The Arizona flag in total symbolizes a lot about the state. From its top industry copper mining to how it is gifted with natural beauty. The inspiration of the Colorado River and Arizona sunsets depictions are proof of it.
ARIZONA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:
Concerning the Pledge of Allegiance in late 2019, Republican Representative John Filmore brought up legislation on it. The bill contained that the Pledge of Allegiance must be recited every morning at school. The mandate will cover children from kindergarten to 4th grade. As for older children, it will not be mandatory.
Fillmore’s House Bill 2060 aims that young minds understand the meaning and depth of the Pledge of Allegiance. The idea received a positive remark from Governor Doug Ducey who thinks it is a good idea. But Governor is yet to finalize his final stance on the legislation.
Moving to 2021, the legislation was presented to the House Government and Election Committee. Representative Filmore was able to convince the Republican members of the house. The vote led to a 7-6 that sent the measure to the full house. The Apache Junction Republican thinks it is better to say the Pledge of Allegiance vocally rather than in silence. By uttering it out loud the pledge becomes more personal. It will also be instilled more in the minds of young people.
HOW TO PROPERLY DISPLAY THE STATE FLAG:
The Arizona flag can be displayed horizontally and vertically. Putting it up horizontally, the top part should be the side with red and yellow. In terms of vertically, there is no fixed rule. However, if you want to adapt the American flag rule, then the top part should be on the left side. When hanging the flag make sure it is spread and stretched properly. It should not look crumpled and it must be securely mounted.
The Arizona flag can be displayed indoors or outdoors. To indoor flags are usually finished with a pole hem. A pole hem is a sleeve of the same fabric used for mounting. Sometimes people prefer indoor flags to be showcased with golden fringes. But the flag display will do without it. An outdoor flag comes with a canvas header and brass grommets. This is to hang the flag on a pole securely.
The Arizona flag can also have the honor of flying with the American flag. However, there are rules on how to display them together. First when hanging them both on a flag pole the United States flag should be at the top. The Arizona flag’s dimensions must be the same size or smaller, it should never be bigger. If they are to be placed on separate poles the Arizona flag should be on the left of the United States flag. Remember, the flag position of honor is the right, that is where the United States flag must be placed.
In ceremonies where the two flags will be showcased and held on poles, the United States flag should be held straight and upright. The Arizona flag pole should be held slightly titled to salute the United States flag.
