Flag of Michigan - Definition and Overview

The flag of Michigan depicts the state's coat-of-arms on a dark blue field. On the light blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a long gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the bald eagle represents the United States.

The design features three Latin mottos. From top-to-bottom they are:

1. On red ribbon: E Pluribus Unum, "Out of many, one", a motto of the United States
2. On light blue shield: Tuebor, "I will defend"
3. On white ribbon: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you" (the official state motto)

The present flag, adopted in 1911, was the third state flag. The first flag featured a portrait of Michigan's first governor, Stevens T. Mason, on one side and the state coat of arms and "a soldier and a lady" on the other side. The second flag, adopted in 1865, displayed the state coat of arms on one side and the United States coat of arms on the other side.