Flag of Texas - Definition and Overview

The flag of Texas is defined by law as follows

The state flag consists of a rectangle with a width to length ratio of two to three containing: (1) a blue vertical stripe one-third the entire length of the flag wide, and two equal horizontal stripes, the upper stripe white, the lower red, each two-thirds the entire length of the flag long; and (2) a white, regular five-pointed star in the center of the blue stripe, oriented so that one point faces upward, and of such a size that the diameter of a circle passing through the five points of the star is equal to three-fourths the width of the blue stripe.

This flag was adopted on January 24, 1839 as the final national flag of the Republic of Texas. The Republic also had a naval flag, and the previous national flag became its infantry battle standard.

When Texas became the 28th state of the Union on December 29, 1845, its national flag became the state flag. The colors are given the same symbolism in the flag of Texas as when they appear in the Flag of the United States. Blue stands for loyalty, white strength, and red bravery.

The pledge of allegiance to the state flag is:

"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one and indivisible."

Because Texas is the only state to be internationally recognized as an independent country, the Texas flag is the only state flag that is allowed to be flown at the same height as the United States flag ("If the state flag and the flag of the United States are displayed on flagpoles or flagstaffs at the same location the flags should be displayed on flagpoles or flagstaffs of the same height." [1] (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/GV/content/htm/gv.011.00.003100.00.htm#3100.055.00)).

Note: The flag of Chile is similar to the flag of Texas.

External links

• Texas flag law (http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/GV/content/htm/gv.011.00.003100.00.htm)
• Texas Flag Code (http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/flagcode.html)
• Flags of Texas (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/FF/msf1.html)
• Flags of Texas Independence Movements 1835-1836 (http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/indepenflgs.htm)