Official Louisiana State Flag 2010 – Present
The Louisiana State Pelican flag design was first adopted by the state legislature in 1912 and was most recently modified to this current version in 2010. The flag depicts an Eastern Brown Pelican Mother protecting three chicks in their nest as she tears at her own flesh to feed them. “Union Justice Confidence” is printed in blue letters on a white and gold banner just below the nest. The background is a solid azure blue field. The design originates from the 1800s state seal. The outstretched wings of the pelican resemble a French fleur-de-lis honoring the influence France had on the original colony. The Catholic Church has recognized the pelican as a symbol of charity and piety since medieval times. At some point during the flag’s first nearly 100 years of use (1912 – 2006), the three drops of blood on the pelican’s breast were removed. It is unknown exactly when this occurred, however, this subtle feature was reintroduced to the design in 2006 as a result of historical research done by a Houma Louisiana student that revealed the three drops of blood were significant to the original design. The blood and the Mother pelican feeding her offspring from her flesh symbolize the honor and sacrifice the state offers its citizens thus keeping that particular Cajun tradition alive.
Louisiana State Flag Pledge
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the state of Louisiana and to the motto for which it stands: A state, under God, united in purpose and ideals, confident that justice shall prevail for all of those abiding here.”
Nylon is a durable, lightweight material that will easily fly in a light breeze and features bright, rich colors. The artwork is visible on both sides of the flag and the lettering reads correctly from one side only.
- Quality construction
- Fade-resistant
- Bright colors
- One solid piece of fully printed, 150 denier nylon fabric
- Heavy canvas header with brass grommets
- 4 rows of stitching on the fly end to prevent premature fraying
- Flag size: 3’x5′
