Indiana

The flag of Indiana is blue with a golden stylized burning torch in the center of the flag (the flame is also golden) with seven stylized golden rays coming equally in an upper semicircle from the flame, with a five-pointed star facing upward at the end of each ray. Directly below the top star, on the ray (with a blue space to make room) is the word "INDIANA" in golden lettering, curving around another golden five-pointed star, larger than the rest of the stars, underneath "INDIANA", and above the flame of the torch. This star has a blue space around it to make room for it in the stylized ray. In a lower semicircle around the torch, equally spaced, are six golden five-pointed stars. In another lower semicircle, smaller, around the flame, are five golden five-pointed stars. The one on the bottom of that semicircle has a blue outline around it, to make room for it.
==Symbolism==
The 19 stars represent Indiana becoming the 19th American state. The torch represents liberty. The 13 stars on the outside of the ring of stars (not counting the one by the flame) represent the original 13 colonies of the United States; Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. The five stars on the inside semicircle represent the next five states admitted to the United States; Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and Louisiana. The largest star, the one above the flame and under "INDIANA", represents the state of Indiana. The symbolism of the blue background is currently unknown.
==Design story==
Paul Hadley of Moorsville, Indiana, designed the flag as an entry for a flag design contest in 1916, which was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1916, meant for the centennial aniversary of Indiana's statehood (December 11, 1816). Paul won the contest, and his design was later adopted on May 31, 1917. Indiana at EnchantedLearning.com
== Nickname ==
* The Indiana Torch
==References==
Category:Indiana
Category:United States
Category:Blue background
Category:Lettering
Category:Proportions 2-3
Category:Yellow
Category:Stars
Category:East North Central States and Cities
Category:Eastern USA
Category:2001 NAVA State Flag Survey