The Story Behind the Alabama State Flag


Have you ever looked closely at the flags representing the fifty states of America? Some state flags are filled with busy pictures of animals, state seals, or historical scenes. Others are incredibly simple, using only a few colors and shapes to tell a story. The state flag of Alabama is one of the most simple and recognizable flags in the nation. With its bold design, it stands out in a crowd of colorful flags.
At first glance, the Alabama state flag might look like a giant, bright red letter "X" on a clean white background. This design is officially described as a crimson diagonal cross on a field of white. In the language of flags, which is called vexillology, a diagonal cross is known as a "saltire." The crimson color is a deep, rich shade of red. This simple combination of red and white makes the flag very easy to spot from a distance, even on a windy day.
- Vexillology:
- The study or language of flags.
- Saltire:
- A diagonal cross used in flag design.
- Crimson:
- A deep, rich shade of red.
- Unity:
- The state of being joined together or in agreement as a whole.
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- 1What is the term used in vexillology to describe a diagonal cross?
- 2On what exact date was the Alabama state flag officially adopted?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Story Behind the Alabama State Flag” is a explanatory article reading passage about Alabama State Flag, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (562 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


