| What is the design of the North Carolina state flag? |
| | The design is two horizontal bars of red and white flanked by a blue vertical bar that contains a white 5 pointed star with the initials "N" and "C" in gold on either side with the dates "April 12, 1776" and "May 20, 1775" also in gold letters |
| | The red and white horizontal stripes and colors are reminiscent of the "Stars and Bars" the first National Flag of the Confederate States of America |
| What does the white star mean or symbolize? |
| | The white 5 pointed star symbolizes the state's admission as the 12th US State. |
| | According to the ancient laws of heraldry a star symbolizes honor, achievement and hope. |
| What do the dates on the flag symbolize? |
| | There are two dates on the North Carolina State Flag - May 20, 1775 & April 12, 1776 |
| | May 20, 1775 commemorates the "Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence". The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence is claimed to be the first declaration of independence made in the 13 Colonies during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) |
| | The declaration was made by a committee of patriots in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina who declared independence from Great Britain after hearing about the Battle of Lexington. |
| | The Battle of Lexington took place on Wednesday, April 19, 1775 and started the American Revolution with the "shot heard round the world." |
| | April 12, 1776 is the date of the "Halifax Resolves". The Provincial Congress of North Carolina had met in the town of Halifax, North Carolina and adopted a resolution calling for independence from Great Britain - the "Halifax Resolves" |
| What are the colors and what do the colors mean, or symbolize, in heraldry? |
| | The color red is a symbol of hardiness, bravery, strength & valor |
| | The color blue symbolizes vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice |
| | The color white is a symbol of peace and honesty |
| | The American combination of red, white and blue symbolizes revolution and freedom |
| | The color yellow or gold is a symbol of the sun, generosity and wealth |
| What is the shape and flag ratio? The 'Hoist' is the width and the 'Fly' is the length. |
| | The ratio is 2:3 meaning it is 2 units tall for every 3 units wide. |
| Who designed the North Carolina State Flag? |
| | The name of the original designer was William Garl Browne |
| What is the history of the North Carolina State Flag? |
| | The first flags in the state were flown by the military regiments |
| | June 22, 1861: The state convention approved a flag designed by Raleigh artist William Garl Browne and featured a red field on the left with a white star in the center, and two horizontal bars of equal width of blue on the top and white on the bottom. Above the star was the inscription "May 20th, 1775". Beneath the star was the inscription "May 20th, 1861" which was the date of secession. See the picture of the 1861 flag |
| | The 1861 flag was employed for the first time during the Civil War (1861-1865). |
| | 1885: The North Carolina legislature adopted a new design |
| When was the North Carolina State Flag officially adopted by the state's legislature? (Most US flags were designed in 19th & 20th centuries) |
| | It was officially adopted March 2, 1885 |
| What is the North Carolina Pledge of Allegiance and Salute? |
| | The North Carolina Pledge of Allegiance is as follows: "I salute the flag of North Carolina and pledge to the Old North State love, loyalty, and faith." |
| The salute should be made by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. |
| The North Carolina flag is kept and used as required by the code specified in the constitution of the state. |