Honoring Missouri's MO history as part of the Louisiana Purchase from France, the Missouri flag, designed by Mrs. Marie Elizabeth Oliver, pictures the state's seal in the center.  Surrounding the state seal are 24 white stars, which stand for the number of states in the Union at the time.  The stars at the top of the seal carry the same meaning.  The seal has two parts - national and state.   The U.S. coat of arms is depicted in the national half.  An eagle holds arrows and an olive branch.   The state half shows the Missouri coat of arms with a grizzly bear, noted for its strength and size, standing on a red background, representing courage.  The two halves together stand for the connection between the state and federal governments.   The crest and helmet over the coat of arms symbolizes strength.  Missouri State Flag Adopted:  1913