Indiana State Flag

The Indiana State flag was designed in 1916 and led to the adoption of the current flag. The flag has a blue background and displays a torch in the middle with 13 stars surrounding it on the outer circle while five stars are in the inner circle. The name “Indiana" is displayed on the upper middle side above the torch. The flag is one of the state symbols in addition to the seal, constitution, and the state flower. The Indiana State flag emphasizes the enlightenment and liberty of the citizens. The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) ranked the design and relevance of the flag at position 32 out of the 72 participants drawn from America and Canada.

Design and Features of the Flag

The official flag of the State of Indiana is blue and rectangular, in the dimensions of 3:2 or 5:3. The main features of the flag include the stars and the torch which are inscribed in golden yellow. The torch stands vertically in the middle and is a sign of the freedom, knowledge, and light that brought liberty to the state. The torch which is radiating light acknowledges that the state has a great influence both in the country and abroad. The state was enjoined into the US states as the 19th state. This is commemorated by the 19 stars on the flag. The stars are further arranged in two clusters. The first cluster of 13 stars on the outer circle represents the initial thirteen colonial territories whereas the other cluster of five stars symbolizes the other 5 states incorporated later into the state’s union. The one bigger star on the top side of the torch represents the State of Indiana. The name “Indiana” is included on top of the bigger star

History of the Flag

In 1916, during the celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the 100 years since Indiana joined the US, the General Assembly of the state of Indiana resolved to design and adopt a flag. The state tasked the Daughters of American Revolution to hold a competition for the most appropriate flag design. The best designer was to be awarded one hundred dollars. Over 200 designs were submitted with Paul Hadley of Mooresville design winning the contest and the cash prize. On May 31, 1917, the flag was adopted as the formal banner. The General Assembly only added the name “Indiana” to the flag. The banner was renamed the state’s flag in 1955, standardizing its dimensions also.

Uses of the Flag

The flag is flown by all government agencies on their premises. Learning institutions, townships, and military are also mandated to hoist the flag. It should be hoisted from sunrise to sunset and at full mast unless for certain reasons such as during a period of mourning or after the occurrence of an event that necessitates it to be flown at half-mast. The flag can be used outside the state by any of its residents as a form of identification, especially if on official duty. It can also be hoisted during national events. A ship can also hoist it when in the high seas while a resident can mount one on their car.