Order in which state was admitted into the union: 19
The flags dimensions shall be three feet fly by two feet hoist; or five feet fly by three feet hoist; or any size proportionate to either of those dimensions. The field of the flag shall be blue with nineteen stars and a flaming torch in gold or buff. Thirteen stars shall be arranged in an outer circle, representing the original thirteen states; five stars shall be arranged in a half circle below the torch and inside the outer circle of stars, representing the states admitted prior to Indiana; and the nineteenth star, appreciably larger than the others and representing Indiana shall be placed above the flame of the torch. The outer circle of stars shall be so arranged that one star shall appear directly in the middle at the top of the circle, and the word "Indiana" shall be placed in a half circle over and above the star representing Indiana and midway between it and the star in the center above it. Rays shall be shown radiating from the torch to the three stars on each side of the star in the upper center of the circle.
My one and only visit to Indiana was to run what was at the time (and may still be) the largest 1/2 marathon in the United States. The mini marathon, as its called, started and finished in downtown Indianapolis. The highlight of the race was a lap around the Motor Speedway where the Indianapolis 500 is run every May.
The pre race pasta dinner featured John Bingham. This was my first exposure to the Penguin; I found him very entertaining. I stayed in Indiana an extra day and returned to the speedway to watch the first weekend of qualifying for the Indy 500. I got autographs from the Andretti Green racing team (I knew nothing about racing and their line was manageable). Dario Franchitti (the former Mr. Ashley Judd), Bryan Herta, Tony Kanaan (a Brazilian IronMan as well as race car driver), and Dan Wheldon (died in a tragic race car accident in Vegas) made up Andretti Green. At least 3 of the 4 went on to win the Indy 500 after my 2004 meeting them.
Up next: Kentucky
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