Alabama, Audemus, and Andrew the Apostle

On this day in 1819, Alabama becomes the 22nd state of the United States of America.

First, the beginning of its Constitution:

“We, the people of the State of Alabama, in order to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution and form of government for the State of Alabama:”

ARTICLE I.

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

That the great, general, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare:

1. That all men are equally free and independent; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Audemus

Appropriately, then, the state motto of Alabama is “Audemus jura nostra defendere,” which means “We dare defend our rights.” This motto is found in the coat of arms of the state, depicted below. This image illustrates the complex colonial and confederate history of the state, and also, our country.

Andrew the Apostle

Finally, the flag of the State of Alabama is a crimson Saint Andrew’s Cross on a field of white. Andrew the Apostle is, of course, the brother of Simon Peter. He was crucified on a diagonal cross, or saltire, now commonly known as a “Saint Andrew’s Cross.”