New York: The Empire State, Home Big Apple Flag Playing Cards

In the year 1778, as the American Revolution raged, a young state, New York, sought a symbol to represent its aspirations and identity. The task of designing a flag fell upon the shoulders of the state's leaders, who sought to capture the essence of the state's history, its natural beauty, and its unwavering spirit. - The resulting design was a masterpiece of heraldry, a testament to the state's rich heritage and its bright future. At its heart was a shield, a canvas upon which the state's story was painted. A serene landscape unfolded, with three majestic mountains rising from the horizon. A sun, radiant and hopeful, cast its golden light upon the scene. Two ships, symbols of commerce and exploration, sailed across the waters, a testament to the state's maritime prowess. - Flanking the shield stood two figures, embodiments of the state's ideals. On one side, Liberty, draped in flowing robes, held aloft a liberty cap, a symbol of freedom and independence. On the other, Justice, blindfolded and bearing a sword and scales, represented the state's commitment to fairness and the rule of law. - Above the shield, a proud bald eagle soared, its wings outstretched, a symbol of the state's strength and its global reach. And beneath the shield, the state motto, "Excelsior," was emblazoned, a Latin phrase meaning "Ever Upward," a constant reminder of the state's relentless pursuit of progress and excellence. - The flag, with its field of blue, was a beacon of hope, a symbol of a state that was destined for greatness. It has flown proudly over the state's cities and towns for centuries, a testament to the enduring spirit of New York. It is a flag that inspires, a flag that unites, and a flag that will continue to fly for generations to come. - This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the U.S. Copyright Office) before January 1, 1927.