Texas State Flag
The Texas State Flag, called the Lone Star, is one of the most distinctive flags in the United States. The Flag itself is split into three sections, two long rectangles of white and red are that next to a field of blue. The blue field has a white star, where the Texas State Flag gets its name.
The Lone Star was not the first Texas State Flag. The first flag was the Spanish flag. The Spanish were the first to occupy Texas, beginning in 1519. However, despite early exploration of Texas, it was not until a hundred years later that any establishments in the region were made.
The second Texas State Flag is a that of a white background with many Fleurs-de-lis spread over the surface. This flag was planted in 1685, and France took control of the majority of Texas by 1690.
After several hundred years under French rule, Texas was merged into Mexico, and took up the Mexican flag. This lasted between the years 1821 and 1836. Revolution and revolt occurred when Mexican General Santa Anna scrapped the Mexican constitution. Texas won its independence in April of 1836.
The Lone Star was the fourth flag to be hoisted as the Texas State Flag. This flag was brought up as the winning design when Texas became the Republic of Texas under independent rule. This flag was used between 1836 and 1845. In 1861, Texas flew under the confederacy flag, using the ‘stars and bars’ version of the flag, rather than the commonly known crossed battle flag.
Texas flew under the United States flag after the end of the Civil War before returning to using the Lone Star Texas State Flag. Now, the United States flag typically flies with the Lone Star flag on the tops of government buildings and other important structures.
The Texas State Flag follows many of the flag handling rules associated with other Flags in the United States. It is flown at half-staff along with the United States flag at the death of important figures in the United States, or in respect for International figures. The President of the United States reserves the right to require the flags to be hung at half-staff.
When the Texas State Flag is flown at half-staff, it follows the traditional flag flying rituals. The flag is hoisted to full-staff, then lowered immediately down to half-staff. A flag will fly at half-staff as a gesture of respect and mourning. When the Texas State Flag is lowered in the evening, it should be rose to full-staff before being taken from the pole.
Like other flags, it is considered an honor to have family of the deceased receive the Texas State Flag at a funeral. Typically, the Texas State Flag is given along side the Stars and Stripes of the United States. It is considered poor etiquette to allow the Texas State Flag to touch the ground.
