The state motto of Virginia is "Sic Semper Tyrannis,” meaning “Thus Always to Tyrants.” The motto was adopted in 1776, with the words symbolizing victory over tyranny.

Virginia's state motto was recommended by George Mason to be incorporated into the Seal of Virginia during the 1776 Virginia Convention. Even though the words are Latin, the exact origins are unknown, unlike the mottoes of most states in the US.

Virginia State Song

There is no official state song of Virginia, though the state does have an interim state song and a state song emeritus. From 1940 to 1997, the state song was "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny", though it has since been retired and is now the state song emeritus because of controversy over its lyrics. Though other state songs have been proposed since the 1970s, including "The Old Dominion", as of 2012, Virginia remains one of only two states in the US that has no official state song, with the other being New Jersey.

Virginia State Nicknames

Virginia's most familiar state nickname is Old Dominion. The nickname was earned by the loyalty of Virginia to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and afterward, during the English Commonwealth. The moniker was given by King Charles II in recognition of Virginia's loyalty to the Crown, after the Restoration.

Virginia slogans:

Virginia is for Lovers

Virginia is for history lovers

A Place for Lovers

Where the South Begins

Live Passionately

Virginia: Home of Southern Hospitality

Gateway to Southern Hospitality

Mountaineers are always free

Welcome to Virginia Two Hundred Years of History Unimpeded by Progress

Virginia State Flag:

The state flag of Virginia has a deep blue field with a circle of white in the center on both sides of the flag. In this white circle Virginia's coat of arms is painted or embroidered, as described by the convention of 1776.