(Photo: Unsplash / Karl Magnuson)
Mainers are poised to decide in November whether to adopt a new state flag, but before that, the state needs to choose a design. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced a public contest on Friday, inviting all Mainers to submit their design proposals. The only stipulation is that the designs must be based on Maine's original flag, which featured a simple pine tree and blue star on an off-white background. The deadline for submissions is July 19.
The Original Flag's Revival
The 1901-1909 flag version was again revived, marking Maine's bicentennial in 2020. This modern rendition of a historic flag has been displayed on many items, such as hats, sweatshirts, and soon-to-be license plates. This rising love for this design encouraged lawmakers to pass a bill the previous year, allowing Mainers to decide on a new flag for the state. The current state flag, adopted in 1909, bears the state emblem, a lumberjack, a seaman, and the state motto, "Dirigo," a Latin word meaning "I lead," pointing to the North Star.
Contest and Design Submission
The design contest is open to all, encouraging many creative submissions that honor the original flag's simplicity and symbolism. Secretary Bellows emphasized the importance of public involvement in this process. "This duty bestowed upon me by the Legislature is not a job I can do alone. That's why today I invite every Mainer to consider submitting a design for consideration," she said.
Controversy Surrounding Similar Flags
The design process had been smooth until news surfaced about a similar-looking flag flown at the vacation home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. This flag, featuring a pine tree and the words "AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN," dates back to the Revolutionary War but has recently been linked to the Christian nationalist movement and the unfounded claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
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Addressing these concerns, Bellows dismissed any controversy, stating, "This is a debate delightfully free of partisan politics, and one that every Maine voter can weigh in on at the ballot box this fall." Her statement focuses on Maine's cultural heritage and the nonpartisan nature of the flag redesign effort.
Legislative Requirements and Public Participation
By law, Bellows must present the final design for the new flag. She reiterated the need for public participation, highlighting that the best design will come from a collaborative effort among Mainers. The contest represents an opportunity for residents to engage meaningfully with their state's symbols and history.
Looking Ahead to November
As the November vote approaches, Mainers can reshape their state's identity through the new flag design. The main goal of the contest is to make residents search for information concerning the state's history and come up with a symbol that could be associated with the past as well as the values of today's Maine.
The result of this contest and election will not only define the new state flag but also represent the unified consciousness of Maine's population. The Secretary of State's office expects to receive a wide range of submissions best depicting the pride and creativity of its citizens.
Mainers are to vote on the new state flag design in November; therefore, they will discuss more than just flag design, talking about their history and potential. The contest and the selection of the new flag will become an important chapter in that state's history, proving how important it is to engage people in creating important symbols of their state.
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