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The flag of Massachusetts displays, on both sides, the state coat of arms centered on a white field. The shield depicts an Algonquin Native American with bow and arrow; the arrow is pointed downward, signifying peace. A white star appears next to the figure's head, signifying the state's history as one of the original 13 American Colonies. A blue ribbon surrounds the shield, bearing the state motto "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem" ("By the sword we seeks peace, but peace only under liberty"). Above the shield is the state military crest: a bent arm holding a broadsword aloft. The current flag was adopted in 1971.
The state flag was made official in 1908, but had been used unofficially since the American Revolution. This flag included on its reverse the blue shield from the coat of arms containing only a green pine tree, which had been the design of the state naval ensign ever since the Revolutionary War.
Additionally in 1971, the naval ensign, which had consisted of a green pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven", was changed to remove the religious motto. Massachusetts is one of only two states with its own naval ensign.
The flag of the governor of Massachusetts has the same design as the state flag, but with a triangular shape.
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