Massachusetts Flag

Massachusetts is one of the only states that have more than one flag representing the state, to be precise; there are three official Massachusetts flags in use. There is an official Massachusetts state flag, a “naval and maritime” flag and a governor’s flag. Till 1908 there was not really a flag of Massachusetts, even though several flags were used in official ceremonies.

The current flag of Massachusetts displays on both sides of the state coat of arms, centered on a white background. It is important for the Massachusetts flag to say on both sides, since the original Massachusetts flag adopted in 1915 had on one side the coat of arms of the commonwealth of Massachusetts and on the other side a blue shield with a pine tree in the center of the shield. This shield on the opposite side of the coat of arms symbolized the value that wood had to the settlers of Massachusetts. In 1971 the design of the state flag of Massachusetts was simplified by having the same design of both sides of the flag, the coat of arms. The shield in the coat of arms of Massachusetts’s displays and Algonquin Native American with his bow and arrow. The tip of the arrow is pointed to the ground to symbolize peace. Next to the Indians had is a white star with five points.

Each of the points on the star stays for the five states entering the United States union before Massachusetts, which entered as the 6th state and therefore belongs to the original thirteen states.

The state flag of Massachusetts also displays the states motto in a blue ribbon that surrounds the lower part of the shield. The state motto is “Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem” which means, “By the sword we seek peace, but piece only under liberty”. Right above the shield is the states military emblem, a bent arm with a broadsword. The swords blade is turned up to signify the fact that independence was only one through the American Revolution. Massachusetts state flag info as well as Massachusetts state flag history can be found with the state government, in good history books and museums. If you are looking for a picture of the Massachusetts state flag, you might try the official pages of the state of Massachusetts or online flag retailers. Massachusetts’s flags can be bought at any good flag store across the United States and the Massachusetts state flag is proudly displayed in the state capital Boston.