In 1912, one hundred years after attaining state status, the legislature of Louisiana adopted its official state flag, featuring an image of a mother pelican feeding her three baby pelican’s in their nest. The symbol of the pelican family has its origins in the earliest days of Louisiana’s settlement. Legend has it that the state’s first residents were impressed with the way the mother pelicans would peck at their own breasts until they bled to provide nourishment for their young when food sources were scare. Even though the symbolism of the blood being shed indicated the sacrifices of the people of the state, the blood drops were never shown in any of the official illustrations.

After the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, a bill was enacted by the state legislature to add the drops of blood to the image of the mother pelican’s breast. August of 2007 marked the one –year anniversary of the passage of Bill 833 but as yet no official artwork has been provided by the State of Louisiana nor can we confirm that anyone is in the process of developing any artwork.

In light of the demand for the updated flag, Annin & Co. has begun manufacturing Louisiana state flags with three blood drops in what we believe is an appropriate placement.

Annin state flags are made from 100% SolarMax nylon. This material, developed especially for the flag industry, is engineered to resist damage from the sun's UV rays.

Annin's outdoor state flags are stocked in sizes 12 X 18 inches, 2x3 ft., 3x5 ft., 4x6 ft., 5x8 ft., and 6 X 10 ft.

Larger outdoor sizes are available through our custom department.

Indoor flags with pole sleeve and gold fringe are available in sizes 3x5 ft. and 4x6 ft.