Tuesday 6 December 2016

By Ned Johns


Connecticut derives its name from its principal river, called by the Indians Quonehtacut, and which, in their language, signified 'the long river.’ While Connecticut was first explored by the Dutch, who founded trading posts, the first permanent settlements were made by English Puritans from Massachusetts, starting in 1633. From the first, Connecticut enjoyed a great measure of political independence, proclaiming in its Fundamental Orders of 1639 a democratic principle of government based on the will of the people.

Although Connecticut was the 5th colony to sign, the Constitution of the US in 1788, even after 100 years, it did not have any state flag to call its own. A special Connecticut Flag had to be planned. This was noticed by the Anna Warner Bailey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who moved to Governor William Coffin, with their proposal. Thus, in a way, they were the designers of the Connecticut Flag. In 1895, the Governor brought in a proposal to the Connecticut General Assembly, for the Connecticut Flag for the first time. Finally, the official Connecticut Flag was adopted on 1897.

Three supported grape vines are depicted on the shield, each bearing three bunches of grapes. The rococo shield is outlined in gold and silver and is decorated with clusters of white oak leaves and acorns. A white streamer, cleft at each end and bordered in gold and brown, is displayed below the shield. The motto of the state of Connecticut is lettered in dark blue on the streamer. It reads Qui Transtulit Sustinet (He who transplanted still sustains).

Symbolic elements of the flag are represented by the three grape vines and their supports, white oak leaves and acorns, and the Connecticut state motto. Perhaps the most prominent feature of the Arms of the State are the three grape vines positioned in the center of the shield. Historically, these grape vines were passed down from a seal brought from England by Colonel George Fenwick in 1639. Colonel Fenwick's seal served as the seal of the Saybrook Colony and was passed on for the use of the Connecticut Colony around 1644.

The basic flag design in use today was first displayed at the time of the American Revolution (1775â€"83), although the background colour then was red. During the Civil War (1861â€"65) blue was the standard background shade for regimental colours, and many citizens thought of those military flags as representative of the state. Consequently, a flag with a blue background was later flown over the state capitol during sessions of the legislature. That design was the basis for a recommendation to the legislature that resulted in the adoption of the current flag in June 1897.

The Connecticut Flag is symbolic of the history of the state and bears the magnificent Arms of the State on either side. There is a barrage of cheap and inferior Connecticut flags being imported and sold, that do not comply with the flag statute. This is bad for a number of reasons. Imported flags are cheaply made and more importantly, the designs, materials, colors, and methods of printing do not compare well with the better quality, longer-lasting, and correctly designed flags made by American manufacturers. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Connecticut flag for the future.




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