General Information » Facts & Figures » National Flag

There are three flags worth recognising. The first is the ubiquitous US flag flapping proudly on public buildings, outside corporate offices, up and down Fifth Avenue and on private residences. The flag is so well known internationally, but just in case you’ve just made your way off that deserted island, it is made up of 13 equally sized horizontal red and white alternating stripes (representing the first 13 states that defied the British and made up the Union) and a blue rectangle in the top left hand corner with 50 small, white, five-pointed stars - one for each state – arranged in nine offset rows of six and the five stars.

It is against the law to burn or defame the flag in any way. Since 9/11 in 2001, it has come to represent much more than just a flag. When it comes to symbolism, the global politics makes the flag even more potent with many New Yorkers and Americans generally holding the Star Spangled Banner in great esteem as a symbol of freedom, nationalism and patriotism.

New York State, as with the 49 other states, has its own individual flag. The state’s coat of arms is emblazoned on a dark blue background. Lady Liberty stands with a pole in her hand. On top of the pole is a Phrygian cap, historically given to emancipated Roman slaves and adopted by French Revolutionaries: she, her pole and the cap stand for freedom. At her feet is a discarded crown, freedom from the British after the revolutionary war. On the right stands the goddess of Justice, blindfolded and aptly carrying the scales of impartial justice for all. Beneath them on a white ribbon is the state’s motto: Excelsior (meaning ever upwards), epitomising the idea of reaching up to high goals. Between with two ladies is the shield depicting an image of the sun rising over the Hudson highlands with two ships sailing the river, representing commerce. Above this grand affair rests an eagle on a globe, he faces right, a good omen.

Just when you thought you couldn’t have another flag, there’s the city’s very own. A slightly less elaborate affair, it harks back to historical beginnings. For a start it’s the same colours as the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the 1600s; blue, white and orange. In the middle, the seal of New York City, the shield flanked by a Native American to one side (representing the native population before euro invasion), on the other, a sailor (representing the settlement in the area). The shield they stand by encompasses an amalgamation of symbols and symbolism: the beaver represents the Dutch West Indian Company, the windmill, barrel and flower all symbolise early industry. And then of cours...