State Flag: ( click here - for enlarged view)

Adopted on July 24, 1913, the Delaware state flag has a background of colonial blue surrounding a diamond of buff color in which the coat of arms of the state is placed. Below the diamond are the words "December 7, 1787," indicating the day on which Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States constitution. Because of this action, Delaware became the first state in the Union, and is, therefore, accorded the first position in such national events as presidential inaugurations. According to members of the original commission established to design the flag, the shades of buff and colonial blue represent those of the uniform of General George Washington. Inside the diamond, the flag recognizes the importance of commerce {the ship} and agriculture {wheat, corn, the ox and the farmer} to the state. Tribute is also paid to the Revolutionary War Soldiers. The words in the banner read Liberty and Independence.

State Seal:

The images on Delaware's official Great Seal symbolize the foundations of the stateÕs economy and history. Delaware's agricultural basis is represented by corn and wheat. Farming is honored by the farmer holding his hoe. The importance of animals is represented by the ox. The contributions of citizens who bore arms to defend the rights of all Delaware's population is evident in the musket-toting militiaman. Shipping, ship building, and water-based commerce are honored.

State Nickname:

"The First State": Delaware is known by this nickname due to the fact that on December 7, 1787, it became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

"The Diamond State": This nickname was given to Delaware, according to legend, by Thomas Jefferson because he described Delaware as a "jewel" among states due to its strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard.

"Blue Hen State": This nickname was given to Delaware after the fighting Blue Hen Cocks that were carried with the Delaware Revolutionary War Soldiers for entertainment during Cock fights.

"Small Wonder": This nickname is basically a new nickname. It was given to Delaware due to its size and the contributions it has made to our country as a whole and the beauty of Delaware.

Other Symbols Links:

Sources:
http://www.imagesoft.net/flags/i-flag/usa-de.html
http://www.geobop.com/World/NA/US/DE/
http://www.50states.com/delaware.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/delaware/