The State Flag of Virginia bears the Great Seal of the Commonwealth on a field of blue. The seal depicts the goddess "Virtus." She is dressed as an Amazon, armed with a spear and sword, and stands over a defeated despot. The seal displays the State Motto,"Sic Semper Tyrannis," which is Latin for, "Thus Always to Tyrants."

Why is Virginia a Commonwealth? Learn more at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Web site.

For information on the Symbols and Emblems of the Commonwealth, visit Virginia General Assembly Web site.

Climate
A mild to humid coastal climate is characteristic of Virginia.

Record high temperature: 110 degrees F (43 C) at Columbia on July 5, 1954.

Record low temperature: -29 degrees F (36 C) at Monterey on Feb. 10, 1899.

Average July temperature: 75 degrees F (24 C).

Average January temperature: 36 degrees F (2 C).

Average yearly precipitation: 43 inches (109 cm).

Flora & Fauna
This is a short list of trees and animals that are native to Virginia:

Trees
12 varieties of oak
5 of pine
2 of walnut
Locust, gum, maple, ash and poplar
Indigenous Mammals
White-tailed deer
Black bear
Bobcat
Woodchuck or Groundhog
Raccoon
Opossum
Muskrat
Skunk

For more information about Virginia's trees and forests check out the Virginia Department of Forestry.

For more information on wildlife, contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

For more information on Virginia's plants, animals, plant communities, and invasive species visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation