What Does the Words on the Michigan State Flag Stand For?
The current Michigan state flag was adopted in 1911, and is the third to be adopted since Michigan became a state in 1837. The various symbols and phrases on the flag have significance to the state of Michigan, its residents, and its picturesque landscape.
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Design
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The state flag is blue and features the state coat of arms in the center. The design was inspired by the Hudson's Bay Company, a North-American fur-trading company.
Symbols
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An elk and a moose (both native to Michgan) frame the coat of arms on either side. An eagle in the center represents the United States. Under the eagle is a shield featuring a lake, a peninsula, and a hunter -- all symbols that link to Michigan's environment and inhabitants.
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"Out of Many, One"
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The phrase "E Pluribus Unum" is featured on a banner above the eagle. The phrase is also featured on the U.S. seal, and means "Out of Many, One."
"I Will Defend"
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Above the shield with the lake, peninsula, and hunter, the word "Tuebor" is displayed, meaning "I Will Defend."
"A Pleasant Peninsula"
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Below the shield is a banner stretching between the elk and the moose. The phrase on the banner is "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice," meaning "If you Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You."
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrew McFarlane
