Flag of Massachusetts
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States has been represented by official but limited-purpose flags since 1776, though until 1908 it had no state flag per se to represent its government. The state currently has three official flags: a state flag, a "naval and maritime flag" (despite it no longer having its own navy), and a governor's flag.
State flag
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 with five points appears next to the figure's head, signifying Massachusetts' admission as the 6th US State. A blue ribbon (blue, signifying the Blue Hills of Canton and Milton) surrounds the shield, bearing the state motto Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem ("By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty"). Above the shield is the state military crest: a bent arm holding a broadsword aloft. The sword has its blade up, to remind that it was through the American Revolution that liberty was won.[1]
The state flag was officially adopted 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 the green pine tree of the ensign of the Massachusetts State Navy. In 1971 the design was simplified by making it the same on both sides.[2]
Naval and maritime flag
In April 1776 the Massachusetts Navy adopted as its flag (naval ensign) a white field charged with a green pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." In 1971 the motto was removed, and the flag was designated "the naval and maritime flag of the Commonwealth".[3]
Massachusetts is one of only two states with its own naval ensign (the other is Maine).
Governor's flag
The flag of the governor of Massachusetts has the exact same design as the state flag, but with a triangular shape.
