The Story Behind Massachusetts’ State Flag
The American Flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. But, how much do you know about the state flag? The American Flag is one of…
The American Flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. But, how much do you know about the state flag?
The American Flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States. It's a lovely piece of cloth that proudly totes the colors red, white and blue, and you don't have to go far to see one outside a business or home in pretty much every city and town in the U.S. But, how much do you know about the state one?
The State Flag is Getting a Redesign
So, what are the origins of the American Flag? What's wild is that it's not totally clear. "The origin of the first American flag is unknown," notes PBS, adding that "some historians believe it was designed by New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson and sewn by Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross."
Also, the initial American banner looked different from what it is today. "When the United States Flag was first recognized by Congress in 1777, it did not have the familiar thirteen stripes and fifty stars that it does today," the National Flag Foundation notes. "Although still red, white, and blue, the Flag had thirteen stars and stripes to represent the original thirteen colonies of the United States."
Now, Reader's Digest has highlighted each state's flag and its meaning. "Whether you’re looking to amp up your knowledge of American history or celebrate holidays like Memorial Day, take the time to learn about each of the U.S. state flags," they state in the feature. "Each flag has a story, making it all the more fascinating when studying the history of the state you live in."
So, the Massachusetts state flag has a Native American under a "disembodied sword-wielding arm and the phrase '“'By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty" and "a single white star represents the fact that the Bay State was one of the 13 original Colonies," according to Reader's Digest.
Reader's Digest adds that "Some are troubled by the imagery, though, believing it represents the historic mistreatment of Native Americans," so in July 2024, the governor approved a proposal to change the design. They actually just wrapped up submissions for a new design.
"Following the selection of a final design for a new seal, flag, and motto, the Advisory Commission will submit its final recommendations to the Governor," according to the state.
