The flag of the U.S. state of Rhode Island is white and consists of a gold anchor in the center (a symbol for hope) surrounded by thirteen gold stars (for the original Thirteen Colonies and Rhode Island's status as the 13th state to ratify the Constitution).

A blue ribbon below the anchor bears the state's motto in gold: "HOPE".

As early as the 1640s, the anchor and "hope" were found on the Rhode Island seal, and the seal's words and emblems were likely inspired by the biblical phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul," found in Hebrews, Verse 6:18-19.

[1] Rhode Island's earliest colonists were fleeing persecution in Massachusetts due to their religious beliefs.

[citation needed] The flag can also be seen flying at home football games of the University of Rhode Island Rams.