New Minnesota State Flag and Seal Chosen
MINNESOTA — After selecting a base design for the state flag and seal last week, the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission made final changes Tuesday morning.
The new state flag (pictured above) was chosen by 11 of the 12 commission members. However, there is a noticeable change from the original winning design (pictured below.)
The shape of the star is different, but still faces the north direction. The three stripes have been removed and replaced with a solid light blue color, resembling water. Meanwhile, the dark blue section remains in the shape of the state.
The changes come after strong opinions from residents on social media. Some saying the new design did not represent Minnesota and that the stripes looked similar to other flags. The commission discussed these concerns and more in Tuesday’s meeting, which ultimately led to the final decision.
As for the seal, the commission already chose the design featuring a loon. However, they they did agree on some changes (pictured below.) Those changes included removing the state motto and year of statehood and adding a Dakota phrase, which inspired the name Minnesota.
The commission will meet next Wednesday, December 27th at 9 a.m. to discuss its final report. Unless the Minnesota Legislature rejects the commission’s designs, the new emblems will be official on April 1, 2024 – Minnesota Statehood Day.
