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Why each state in the U.S. has its own flag and laws to follow

Algonquin Lakes first-grader Rebecca returned to school in August and noticed a display of state flags, which led her to wonder why each state has its own.

In a way, state flags are like a family that shares a last name, but each member has his or her own first name.

In the United States of America, all the states honor the red, white, and blue American flag because they're part of the USA family, but their own flag sets each one apart from the other 49.

It also shows that each state is sovereign — it governs itself and may have different rules and laws than other states.

Remember, before the USA became an independent country, it was divided into colonies. They each had their own laws, military and taxes. The colonies created their own flags to set them apart from the others. Their flags would fly high so people would see them and know they had to follow that colony's rules.

The tradition of flags continued after the Declaration of Independence was signed and we officially became the United States of America. Once that happened, the states had to obey federal laws, but they could have their own laws, too.

So, if you go to the Wisconsin Dells on vacation, you have to follow the Wisconsin laws. And if you're in Disney World, you have to follow Florida laws.

Our Illinois flag was designed way back in 1915 with the Illinois seal, but went through a makeover several decades later. Our state lawmakers added the word “Illinois” to the flag in 1969.

• Sources: statesymbolsusa.org; “State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols” by Benjamin F. Shearer and Barbara S. Shearer.

Did you know?

States have more than their own flags. They also have their own flowers, trees, birds, and even songs. In Illinois, everything but the song was voted on by students.

Here's an Illinois list:

• Flower: violet

• Tree: oak

• Bird: cardinal

• Song: “Illinois” by C.H. Chamberlain and Archibald Johnston

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