Massachusetts Massachusetts State Flag

The Massachusetts flag was formally adopted on March 21, 1971. Since, Massachusetts has maintained the same flag for the last 53 years.

The Massachusetts flag was voted 25th best out of 51 Flags ranked by the North American Vexillological Association.

The 2 main colors in the Massachusetts flag are #FFFFFF and #1F2C5C. The Massachusetts flag width is 1.7 times the height. Standard flag size is 3 feet x 5.1 feet.

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Massachusetts Flag

The Massachusetts State Flag. Adopted by State Legislature on March 21, 1971.

Colors

#FFFFFF 91.6%
#1F2C5C 6%
Percentage totals may not equal 100. Colors with less than 1 percent are ignored.

Description

The flag of Massachusetts is one of a kind. It is recognizable for its white background and the state’s blue coat of arms in the middle. In the center of the blue shield stands an American Indian with a bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right. Just above the bow a white star appears. A blue ribbon wraps around the shield displaying the words, “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.” Above the shield, a golden arm grasps a sword.

Meaning

The blue shield represents the Blue Hills of Canton and Milton, Massachusetts while the American Indian is an Algonquin named Massachuset. The arrow that the native is holding points downward which represents peace. The inscription on the blue ribbon translates to: “By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty”. The arm holding a sword above the shield shows that the people would rather lose an arm than live under tyranny. The white star in the blue shield demonstrates Massachusetts being one of the first thirteen colonies.

History

In the past, Massachusetts had a similar flag consisting of the white background and blue shield. However, it had a green pine tree in the middle, representing how valuable tinder was to the early settlers. It was adopted by the Massachusetts State Navy with the motto “An Appeal to Heaven” that was also used earlier in the American Revolution. The flag design we know today has been in effect since 1971.


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Download Massachusetts State Flag

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Link Code

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