(the Virgin Queen who named Virginia, and the dragon (part of the Elizabethan royal seal of England) represent Virginia's European heritage. An ivory gavel emblazoned on the vertical arm of the red cross represents the Senate as a law making body. The cardinal and dogwood depicted are Virginia's official state bird and tree. The ribbon contains the Latin motto of the Senate, Floreat Senatus Virginiae, which means "May the Senate of Virginia flourish." Past composition of the Senate See also List of Virginia state legislatures Notes References External links Virginia General Assembly official government website Includes a very small version of the Seal of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia General Assembly Virginia Senate