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The flag of the Commonwealth of Kentucky was adopted on March 26, 1918. The flag consists of the Commonwealth's seal on a navy blue field, surrounded by the words "Commonwealth of Kentucky" above and sprigs of goldenrod, the state flower, below.

The seal depicts a pioneer and a statesman embracing. Popular belief claims that the buckskin-clad man on the left is Daniel Boone, who was largely responsible for the exploration of Kentucky, and the man in the suit on the right is Henry Clay, Kentucky's most famous statesman. However, the official explanation is that the men represent all frontiersmen and statesmen, rather than any specific persons. The state motto: "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" circles them. The motto comes from the lyrics of "The Liberty Song", a patriotic song from the American Revolution.

In 2001, the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) surveyed its members on the designs of the 72 Canadian provincial, U.S. state, and U.S. territorial flags. Kentucky's flag finished 66th out of the 72 other flags.

Proposals for a New Flag of Kentucky[]

Common symbolism[]

Horses[]

Kentucky quarter, reverse side, 2001

Kentucky state quarter reverse

Kentucky is well-known for its horse racing; it hosts the annual Kentucky Derby, the most-visited stakes race in North America. A thoroughbred horse appears on the state's state quarter. Many proposals represent horse racing by a horse or horseshoe. The Horse also Represents their slogan: "Kentucky Unbridled Spirit".

Bluegrass[]

Kentucky's nickname is the "Bluegrass State". This is often represented in designs by the colors blue and green, or by a teal or bluish green color.

Goldenrod[]

Kentucky's State flower is the Golden Rod

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