Seal of Delaware

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Seal of Delaware
Seal of Delaware.svg
Details
Introduced April 29, 2004
Motto (motto) Liberty and Independence

The Delaware Seal was first set on January 17, 1777, with the current version dated April 29, 2004.

description

The seal consists of the state's coat of arms , which is surrounded by an inscription.

In the center is a shield that is divided into three horizontal strips (red, blue and white). On the red stripe you can see a sheaf of wheat and an ear of corn. The lower white stripe represents an ox on a grassy area. Above the sign is a sailing ship and under the sign is the motto of the state ( Liberty and Independence ). The shield is flanked on the left by a farmer and on the right by a soldier.

  • The sheaf of wheat was taken from the Sussex County's seal and represents the state's agricultural strength.
  • The cob was borrowed from Kent County's seal and is said to show the agricultural basis of the state's economy.
  • The blue stripe above the ox symbolizes the Delaware River , the backbone of the state's trade and transportation.
  • The ox represents the importance of animal husbandry for the economy of the state.
  • The ship is a symbol of New Castle County's shipbuilding and the state's intense maritime trade.
  • The farmer with the garden hoe represents the central role that agriculture plays in the state.
  • The soldier, a militiaman, recognizes the important role that citizens play in safeguarding American freedoms.
  • The motto, "Liberty and Independence," was provided by the Order of the Cincinnati .

The inscription surrounding the coat of arms reads: "Great Seal of the State of Delaware" and the dates 1704, 1776 and 1787.

  • The Delaware Colony introduced the General Assembly in 1704;
  • On so-called Separation Day , June 15, 1776, the General Assembly declared Delaware an independent state.
  • December 7, 1787: On this day, Delaware Day , Delaware ratified the United States Constitution , making it the first state to do so.
Flag of Delaware

history

The seal was originally adopted in 1777 and slightly modified in 1793, 1847 and 1907 respectively. The current version was officially introduced in 2004.

  • From 1793 to 1847 the figures of the soldier and the farmer were removed from the seal.
  • In 1847 the motto "Liberty and Independence" was inserted on a red ribbon below the sign.
  • In 1907 the seal was modernized and "THE DELAWARE STATE" was changed to "THE STATE OF DELAWARE".

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