Adopted in 1918, specifications authorized 1962. Part of the Commonwealth of Virginia immediately after the Declaration of Independence, Kentucky became the 15th US State in 1792. The flag of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a navy blue field with the state seal (adopted 1792) centered. The upper portion of the outer ring of the seal includes the words "Commonwealth of Kentucky" and the inner ring, the state motto "United We Stand, Divided We Fall". The seal also depicts a pioneer and a statesman embracing. A wreath of goldenrod in a half circle appears on the flag beneath the seal.