Rhode Island Flag 
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The Rhode Island State Motto
The Rhode Island motto was officially adopted in 1875 as: "Hope" The Meaning of the Rhode Island State Motto
The meaning of this famous motto reflects the aspirations of the people of Rhode Island. The inspiration for the motto, the flag and the Great Seal can be traced to the Bible. The Epistle (letter) to the Hebrews 6:19 which states "We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, firm and secure... " This quote clarifies the symbolism of the anchor which is the prominent image on the center of the flag and the seal. | |
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The Origin and Meaning of the Rhode Island Nicknames
The American citizens who live in, or who come from Rhode Island, are referred to as Rhode Islanders. The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows: The Ocean State
The official nickname of the Ocean State alludes to its close proximity from all parts of the state to the Atlantic sea. Little Rhody and the Smallest State
Little Rhody is the affectionate nickname that reflects the small size of the state. The Plantation State
The Plantation nickname is a reference to the longest official name of all the states - the "State of Rhode Island Providence Plantations". The Land of Roger Williams
The Land of Roger Williams is a dedication to the man who was the leader of the Rhode Island Colony. Roger Williams (1603 - 1683) was a Puritan dissident, a supporter of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He clashed with John Winthrop, the governor of Massachusetts who banished him from the strictly Puritan colony. Roger Williams fled the Massachusetts Colony and established the Rhode Island colony. Rhode Island earned the nickname of 'Rogue Island' due to its mixture of colonists and settlers from all religious backgrounds. |
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The Constitution of Rhode Island
The constitution of Rhode Island establishes the basic rights of its citizens and echoes the words and sentiments of the motto. The preamble (opening) of the constitution is as follows: "We, the people of the State of Rhode Island Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of government."
Preamble of the Constitution of Rhode Island | |
Rhode Island State Motto and Nickname for Kids
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