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Massachusetts Flag

by Aakash Singha

The description of the Massachusetts Flag is fairly simple as it is a white flag, decorated with a blue shield in the center.


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About Massachusetts Flag

This State coat of arms features on either sides of the Massachusetts Flag. The bright blue field that is emblazoned on the pristine white flag bears the figure of a Massachuset or a Native American, who is shown holding a bow in his right hand and an arrow in the left.

He is wearing leggings, a shirt and moccasins or leather shoes. There is a white or silver star with 5 points, placed above the right shoulder of the native man. Surrounding the shield, is the state motto written on a blue streamer. It reads “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem”, which means“By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty.” Just above the shield, there is an image of right arm wielding a sword.

History of Massachusetts Flag

The Massachusetts Flag was adopted for the first time in 1915, when the commonwealth coat of arms was on one side and blue shield bearing a pine tree, on the other. The current Massachusetts Flag was adopted in the year 1971.

Symbolism of Massachusetts Flag

The tip of the arrow facing downward is a perfect representation of peace and harmony. The radiant white star projects the state of Massachusetts as a part of the 13 original state of the US. The arm with the sword, effectively portrays the first half of the state motto. The Massachusetts Flag is a stark representation of the state motto as well as the native Massachusets of the state.

For flags of other states of the USA, check the Flags of the 50 States.

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