Flag of Arizona
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2011) |
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| Use | Civil and state flag |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Adopted | January 25, 1917 |
The flag of the state of Arizona consists of 13 rays of red and weld-yellow on the top half, the colors of the flag of Spain, representing the 13 original states. The red and yellow also symbolize Arizona's picturesque sunsets. There is a copper-colored star in the center, representing Arizona's copper-mining industry. The rest of the flag is colored blue, representing liberty.
In 1910, Colonel Charles W. Harris, head of the Arizona National Guard, designed a flag for the Arizona Rifle Team when they attended the National Matches at Camp Perry. Arizona had been the only team in past matches to compete without a flag.
The flag was adopted on February 17, 1917, by the third state legislature. It was passed into law without the signature of Governor Thomas Campbell. The governor did not officially state his reasons for taking no action on the bill.
In a 2001 poll conducted by the North American Vexillological Association, the Arizona flag was identified as one of the "10 best flags on the continent," ranking sixth out of 72 North American flags for overall design quality.[1]
Design
To properly make the state flag, the height of the flag is two units high while the width is three units wide. The sun rays at the top are divided into thirteen equal segments, starting with red and alternating with gold until the thirteen rays are complete. In the center of the flag, the copper star will be one unit high, while the rest of the flag is covered by blue section measuring one unit high and three units wide. The colors of red and blue are the same shade that is used on the flag of the United States. The specific colors of copper and gold have not been set down in law. The suggested flag size is four by six feet, with the star being two feet tall.[2]
