A blue field with the state seal: Virtus, the figure of virtue, stands over a fallen tyrant. The motto Sic Semper Tyrannis, “Thus always to tyrants”, leaves the message plain. Bold imagery of victory over oppression.
Blue field with state seal centered.
Ratio: 2:3
Flag at a Glance
- Designer
- George Wythe Randolph and committee
- Ratio
- 2:3
- Text on flag
- Yes
- Animals
- None listed
- Design type
- State seal on blue field
- Complexity
- 8/10
- Readability
- 4/10
- Seal-based design
- Yes
Colors used
Flag Symbolism
Virtus
Roman goddess representing virtue and bravery.
Fallen Tyrant
Depicts the defeat of tyranny.
Motto
‘Sic Semper Tyrannis’ means ‘Thus Always to Tyrants.’
Design Breakdown
The Virginia flag can be described in a simple build order. This is useful for students learning how flags are constructed.
- Start with the base field described in the construction.
- Add the main shapes first (large stripe, field divisions, or background forms).
- Place the primary symbol(s) in their main position(s) (centre, canton, etc.).
- Finish with details like text, small emblems, and final color fills.
Construction note: Blue field with state seal centered.
What Makes This Flag Unique
A lot of state flags share common themes. This one stands out for a few reasons:
- Only state flag depicting the overthrow of a tyrant
- Features a classical allegorical victory scene
- One of the most overtly political state flag designs
Praised and Criticised
Common praise
- Bold Revolutionary symbolism
- Clear ideological message
- Strong historical continuity
Common criticism
- Highly detailed seal
- Includes Latin text
- Low visibility at distance
- Part of the seal-on-blue-field group
Modern Discussion
Redesign debate: Yes
Common suggestions
- Remove the state seal
- Eliminate text
- Adopt a simplified liberty-based symbol
For Teachers & Students
Classroom-ready prompts, printables, and citation info for studying the Virginia state flag.
Subjects
Learning objectives
- Explain symbolism of Virtus and the fallen tyrant.
- Discuss meaning of the motto ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis.’
Print this
Printable classroom handouts for this flag page.
Cite this page
Copy and paste a ready-made citation.
MLA
APA
Note: Citation formats can vary by school. These are common classroom defaults.
Seal Deep Dive
State Seal
The Virginia state seal centered on a dark blue field.
Attributes: Female figure Virtus, Defeated tyrant figure, Spear and sword, State motto
Meaning: Victory of liberty over tyranny and Virginia’s Revolutionary ideals
Virtus
The Roman goddess Virtus standing triumphantly.
Attributes: Helmeted female figure, Spear, Sheathed sword
Meaning: Courage, virtue, and moral strength
Tyrant
A fallen male figure representing tyranny, lying beneath Virtus.
Attributes: Crown, Broken chain
Meaning: The overthrow of monarchy and oppression
Motto
The Latin motto 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' displayed below the seal.
Attributes: Latin text
Meaning: Thus always to tyrants, a declaration of resistance to oppression
Historical Timeline
State seal adopted.
Current flag adopted after secession from the Union.
Vexillology Notes
Design type: State seal on blue field
Complexity: 8/10
Readability: 4/10
Fascinating Facts
Virginia’s flag is one of the few showing a violent image.
The motto has been used since the American Revolution.
The central seal depicts Virtus standing over a defeated tyrant.
The image symbolizes the overthrow of tyranny.
The Latin motto 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' means 'Thus Always to Tyrants.'
The blue field represents loyalty and vigilance.
Virginia’s flag is based directly on the state seal.
The current flag design was officially adopted in 1861.
State Information
- Population
- 8,631,393
- Area
- 42,775
- Founded
- 25 Jun 1788
- Region
- South
