Physical Characteristics

• The current South Carolina state flag has a deep blue background with two design elements. The state flag features a white crescent in the upper left quadrant that opens to the left corner of the flag. The second design element of the South Carolina flag features a white palmetto tree located directly in the center of the flag.
  
  

Symbolism

• The deep blue background color of the South Carolina flag corresponds to the color of uniforms worn by military officers fighting in the Revolutionary War. The crescent symbol corresponds to the silver crescent worn on the hats of Revolutionary War soldiers. The white palmetto tree is symbolic of the fight to hold Sullivan’s Island against British soldiers on June 28, 1776. South Carolina soldiers were fighting in a fort constructed of palmetto tree logs during the battle.
  
  

History

• The current South Carolina state flag was officially recognized by the state government on January 28, 1861. The previous design, which was flown during the Revolutionary War, was created by Colonel William Moultrie in 1775. The previous design did not feature the palmetto tree but did have the crescent symbol.
  
  

Pledge

• According to the South Carolina State House, the official pledge to the South Carolina state flag is, "I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith." South Carolina formally adopted the pledge in 1966, which was composed by Mrs. John R. Carson in 1950.
  
  

Warning

• South Carolina considers any physical disrespect of the state flag, such as mutilation, a misdemeanor crime. Those caught physically altering the flag by adding symbols or letters to the original design or using the flag for advertising purposes may face a fine of up to $100 in addition to receiving a sentence of up to 30 days in jail. The proper disposal method for an unserviceable South Carolina state flag involves taking the flag to an American Legion post for burning.