The State Flag of Massachesetts

Massachusetts, the "Bay State" became the sixth state of the United States of America when it ratified the U. S. Constitution on February 6, 1788. The Massachusetts state flag is a white field with a blue shield emblazoned with a Native American. The Native American holds a bow in one hand and an arrow, pointing downward, in the other. The shield has a white star and above the shield is an arm holding a sword. Around the shield is a blue ribbon with the state's motto: "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem" (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty).

History of the state flag of Massachusetts

The state flag of Massachusetts in its current form was approved by the state in 1971. Prior to that the flag had two sides, with the Commonwealth coat of arms on one side and a blue shield with a pine tree on the other side.

Symbolism of the state flag

The blue color of the shield stands for the Blue Hills of Canton and Milton, Massachusetts. The Native American depicted on the blue shield represents an Algonquian Massachusetts Indian. He is holding the arrow pointed downward to symbolize peace. The white star recognizes Massachusetts as one of the original 13 colonies of the United States. The arm holding the sword signifies that the states' citizens would rather lose their right arms than live under tyranny, and illustrates the motto emblazoned on the blue ribbon.

Massachusetts, nicknamed the "Cradle of Liberty" for its role in the Revolutionary War, has a storied history. Massachusetts' state flag recognizes the great debt owed to the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock, as well as the spirit of independence that brought forth a new nation.