Wednesday 6 July 2016

By Lawrence Bernet


Indian tribes were living in the Michigan region when the first European, Étienne Brulé of France, arrived in 1618. Other French explorers, including Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, and Sieur de la Salle, followed, and the first permanent settlement was established in 1668 at Sault Ste. Marie. France was ousted from the territory by Great Britain in 1763, following the French and Indian Wars.

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.

Mason was dropped from the second version of the flag and replaced with the United States coat of arms beside the Michigan coat of arms. However, the current version displays only the Michigan coat of arms. Michigan's state flag also includes three separate Latin mottos, more than that of any other state flag!

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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