Thursday, July 7, 2016

Michigan Flag History

By Lawrence Bernet


Michigan, constituent state of the United States of America. Although by the size of its land Michigan ranks only 22nd of the 50 states, the inclusion of the Great Lakes waters over which it has jurisdiction increases its area considerably, placing it 11th in terms of total area.

Michigan's official flag was adopted by the Legislature in 1911. The first flag bore the picture of Stevens T. Mason, the first governor of Michigan. This portrait was present on one side of the Michigan Flag, whereas the other side was emblazoned with the coat of arms.

The current flag of Michigan was adopted on Aug. 1, 1911. The coat of arms first appeared on the flag in 1837; however, the original state flag wasn't officially adopted until 1865. The 1865 flag included the coat of arms on a blue base on the front of the flag and on the reverse side it showed the United States coat of arms. Michigan is the 26th state of the union, gaining statehood on Jan. 26, 1837.

The flag of Michigan consists of a blue base with the state coat of arms in the center.The coat of arms features a man standing on a peninsula; one hand raised in a peaceful greeting and a gun in the other hand; representing his preparedness to defend the nation. The word TUEBOR, meaning 'I Will Defend', written on the shield represents Michigan's position as a frontier state. The elk and the moose represent the state's wildlife. The state's motto: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, which means 'If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You', is written below the animals.

An elk and a moose stand on either side of the shield while a bald eagle perches overhead. Above the eagle is a red banner with the national motto, "E Pluribus Unum." Below the shield is a white banner that says, "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice." The Latin translation means, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

The various aspects of the Michigan Flag make it worthwhile to note facts associated with its history and meaning. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Michigan Flag for the future.




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