HOW CAN I HELP THE CAUSE? By law, the State Emblems Redesign Commission's mandate began August 1, 2023. They will choose a new state flag and seal by year-end. Click here to learn more. [Note: the process has now concluded.]

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A NEW FLAG? Several. Cities and businesses spend large sums of money for effective "corporate branding" through logos and symbols. Likewise, flags are powerful symbols that can be used to foster local identity and pride, and promote Minnesota in a global marketplace. States with good flags display them on everything from road signs and license plates to uniforms, private homes and businesses. Why should Minnesota be different? Even if the legislature hesitates to take time for the flag, it can delegate the matter to a blue-ribbon commission or even sponsor a contest.

DO OTHER STATES HAVE WELL-DESIGNED FLAGS? YES! Alabama uses a Confederate cross; Alaska, the big dipper; Arizona, a western sunset; California, a bear-flag; Colorado, a red "C"; Hawaii, Captain Cook's British ensign; Maryland, the arms of Lord Baltimore; New Mexico, an Indian sun-symbol; South Carolina, a Palmetto tree; Texas, a lone-star banner.

DO OTHER STATES HAVE POORLY-DESIGNED FLAGS? LOTS! They are often crowded with seals, hard to remember or see, and are easily confused with each other - especially the twenty that are blue with seals in the center! Some states have even scrawled their names across their flags to make them stand out. The result is a confession of failure: "without a name, no one would recognize this flag." Worse yet, words appear backwards on the reverse side of the flag: SASNAK, ANATNOM, NISNOCSIW, ATOSENNIM. Hopefully we can do better.

IS IT RIGHT TO CHANGE A FLAG? It can be. Flags are not untouchable if there are good reasons to change them. Canada, for example, changed its flag from a British model to a distinctive maple-leaf design in 1965. It now has one of the most celebrated flags in the world. In the United States, Georgia and Mississippi have both adopted new flags, abandoning the Confederate battle flag for the sake of unity; and Utah adopted a new design for esthetic reasons. In recent decades, several states have explored possible new flags, for many of the same reasons as Minnesota – including Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and South Dakota.

WILL A CHANGE OF FLAGS BREACH TRADITION? Hardly. A true tradition lives on in people's hearts and minds; but most people don't even know what our flag looks like – much less means! People are not ignorant: the flag itself is dated, and its design impractical. Its tradition has faded, despite a century of use (since 1893) and two makeovers (1957, 1983). A better one will develop a lasting tradition!

CAN THE OLD FLAG BE PRESERVED SOMEHOW? Of course! It could be retained as a "Ceremonial Standard" in replica format, either in its 1893 form, or that of the battle flag of the 1st Minnesota Regiment, which fought with distinction in the Civil War (especially Gettysburg). Like an heirloom, such replicas could be employed alongside the new State Flag for special ceremonial purposes (e.g., at inaugurations and other solemn occasions). Several other states also have alternate flags for various purposes, including Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Utah.

WILL THE NEW STATE SEAL APPEAR ON THE NEW FLAG? Not necessarily. Seals are made to be viewed close-up on flat, motionless surfaces – not from afar, flying in the wind. The seal is governed by a different statute from the flag, and is primarily intended for official documents, medallions, etc.

WHAT WOULD A CHANGE COST? Nothing. A new flag would cost no more than the current flag. And the new design could be "grandfathered in" as stocks of the old flag are used up.

ARE THERE EXPERTS TO CONSULT? Yes. The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), an international network of flag experts, assists with flag design processes. Learn more at their website.

WHERE CAN I BUY A NORTH STAR FLAG? All sizes are available in durable nylon from Herold Flags in Rochester. For lightweight flags, apparel, and other products, click here. And thanks for supporting a new Minnesota flag!