Adopted in 1861. Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies, and is officially known as The Commonwealth of Virginia. It ratified the Constitution in 1788 and became the 10th state in the Union. The flag of the Commonwealth is deep blue with a centered circular coat of arms, the obverse side of the great seal. (prescribed in leg.1.state.va.us, Code of Virginia, § 1-500) The seal features the words "VIRGINIA," above and "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" ("thus always to tyrants") below the figure of Virtus, Roman goddess of virtue, holding a sword and a spear. She has defeated a tyrant who is lying on the ground holding a chain and a whip.