The Kansas state flag displays the Great Seal of the State of Kansas centered on a blue field. Above the seal is the state crest, a sunflower resting on a twisted blue and gold bar. Below the seal in gold block lettering is the name of the state, "KANSAS"
The Kansas state crest consists of a twisted blue and gold bar reflecting the Louisiana Purchase, from which Kansas developed. The Kanas state flower, the Sunflower is depicted as if "torn from its stalk."
The State Seal centered on the flag depicts the story of Kansas. The thirty-four stars clustered at the top of the state seal identify Kansas as the 34th state to be accepted into the Union. Above the stars are printed the state motto, "Ad Astra per Aspera", which translates as "To the Stars through Difficulties."
The rolling hills of Fort Riley are reflected in the Kansas State seal. The Indians hunting American Bison, the prairie schooners heading west and the oxen mirror the growing frontier of America. The farmer, plowing his field before his cabin represents agricultural assets while the steamboat navigating the Kansas River represents commerce within Kansas.
