Illustrations / Flags and Seals / Tennessee Flags and Seals / Tennessee Flag
About the State Flag of Tennessee
The state flag of Tennessee has three stars representing the “grand divisions” of the state: East, Middle, and West. The stars are “bound together in indissoluble unity by an unending white band” (officially adopted in 1905).
Tennessee’s flag was designed by LeRoy Reeves of the Third Regiment, Tennessee Infantry. His explanation of the design:
“The three stars are of pure white, representing the three grand division of the state. They are bound together by the endless circle of the blue field, the symbol being three bound together in one – an indissouluble trinity. Thelarge field is crimson. The final blue bar relieves the sameness of the crimson field and prevents the flag from showing too much crimson when hanging limp. The white edgings contrast more strongly the other colors.”
Tennessee Flag Salutes
There are two official salutes to the Tennessee flag, both adopted in 2006. The first salute was written by Lucy Steele Harrison:
“Three white stars on a field of blue
God keep them strong and ever true
It is with pride and love that we
Salute the Flag of Tennessee.”
The second salute to the Tennessee flag was written by Miss John Bostick:
“Flag of Tennessee, I salute thee
To thee I pledge my allegiance with
My affection, my service and my life.”
More details on: State Symbols USA