Most of the United States' 50 states have a state motto, as do the District of Columbia and 3 of its territories. A motto is a phrase intended to formally describe the general motivation or intention of an organization. State mottos can sometimes be found on state seals or state flags.
Flag of New York: 1778: Seal: Seal of New York: 1778: Coat of arms: The Coat of Arms of New York: Motto: Excelsior (Ever upward) 1784: Nickname: The Empire State: 1784: Slogan "I Love New York" (official) 1977
Overview. Three emblems that represent New York State are the Device of Arms (commonly referred to as the coat of arms), the Great Seal and the State Flag. All three emblems incorporate the image of the Coat of Arms. The arms of New York State were officially adopted in 1778.Song State Emblems State Animal: Beaver State Beverage: Milk State Bird: Eastern Bluebird State Bush: Lilac bush State Fish: Brook Trout (fresh water), Striped Bass (marine or salt water) State Flag, Seal, and Motto State Flower: Rose State Fossil: Eurypterus Remipes State Fruit and State Muffin: Apple State Gem: Garnet .