The Kentucky State Flag - What It Stands For
Two figures. One handshake. And an idea powerful enough to outlive centuries.
That’s the heart of Kentucky’s state flag. Not a flashy symbol or loud statement, but a quiet, determined message: unity matters. Always has. Always will.
It’s more than fabric—it’s the fabric of who Kentuckians are.
The Design: Built on Friendship
Kentucky’s flag features a deep navy blue field, proudly displaying the state seal at its center. The seal shows two men shaking hands—one dressed as a frontiersman, the other as a statesman. Around them? A wreath of goldenrod, Kentucky’s state flower.
And above and below? The words “Commonwealth of Kentucky” and the state motto: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
The Message Behind the Men
One man symbolizes exploration and grit. The other stands for law, structure, and diplomacy. Together, they reflect what built Kentucky: courage and cooperation. The handshake isn’t just historical—it’s aspirational. It says: “Let’s move forward together.”
Their clasped hands echo a truth this country has always needed to hear—and still does: no progress happens alone.
A Motto That Doesn’t Age
“United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
It reads like a campaign slogan. But it came long before television debates and yard signs. It’s been Kentucky’s motto since the late 18th century, rooted in Revolutionary values and written into the identity of a state that was once the western frontier.
And it still resonates. Because unity isn’t a trend—it’s a principle.
The Flag Today: Still Standing for Something
You’ll see the Kentucky flag flown at courthouses, schools, state buildings—and on porches and farms from Pikeville to Paducah. In big moments and quiet ones, it stands not just for the past, but for what Kentuckians still believe today: that we’re stronger together.
Even in divided times, that handshake still speaks volumes.
How to Display the Kentucky Flag with Honor
- Pair it with the U.S. flag when flown together to show dual pride
- Fly it using a Roosevelt Premium 25ft Telescoping Flag Pole for a dignified display
- Use a solar-powered flagpole light for 24-hour visibility
Fast Facts
- Adopted: 1918 (design standardized in 1962)
- Colors: Navy blue, gold, white
- Symbols: Frontiersman and statesman shaking hands
- Motto: United We Stand, Divided We Fall
- Flower: Goldenrod, surrounding the seal
Why It Still Matters
Flags can be complicated. But Kentucky’s isn’t. It’s a simple picture with a powerful message: If we want to go far, we go together.
It’s a message every generation of Kentuckians has passed on. And it’s one worth holding onto—not just for this state, but for the country.
