The flag of Louisiana consists of a rectangular field of blue with the arms of Louisiana, a pelican vulning herself, in white in the center, with a ribbon beneath, also in white, containing in blue the state motto: "Union Justice Confidence".

[1] As early as 1812, the brown pelican appeared on the Louisiana state seal, various militia company colors, and uniform buttons, including on a flag with a blue field and the phrase "Union, Justice and Confidence".

The bill was drafted by W. O. Hart of the Louisiana Historical Society, which had endorsed the idea in April 1912.

The flag was described at the time as "a solid blue field with the coat of arms of the State, the pelican feeding its young, in white in the center, with a ribbon beneath, also in white, containing in blue the motto of the State, 'Union, justice and confidence'".

[2]: 450 During the 19th century, it was traditional on the state flag and seal for the pelican in her piety to have three drops of blood on her chest.