Whole lotta loons: 2,000-plus submissions unveiled for new Minnesota state flag, seal
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota leaders tasked residents with helping reimagine the state's flag and seal.
The citizenry delivered, with designs running the gamut from reverent, to just plain ridiculous.
The State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC) put out the call for submissions throughout the month of October.
On Wednesday, the commission unveiled 2,123 flag designs for consideration, and 398 seal submissions.
Loons, stars, and loons with stars are the common hallmarks.
There was also no shortage of the state's most precious resource: water. If nothing else, Minnesotans are making sure they are known for their 10,000-plus lakes.
And Minnesotans really flexed their artistic muscles for these submissions. Many entries were completely hand drawn or painted, also proving people of all ages participated in the statewide brainstorm.
Several designs showcased Minnesota's well-known icons and pastimes, like enjoying a hot bowl of tater-tot hotdish; letting out a hearty "uff da" after a long day; and, of course, the great game of hockey.
One person even submitted a photo of what we assume is their pet dog!
Eighty-five percent of the submissions were for the flag, and the remaining 15% were for the seal.
Proponents of the change say the main image on the current flag, first flown in 1957, and the seal, adopted in 1861, is offensive. It shows a White settler tilling the land, as a Native American on horseback rides off into the distance.
Critics also say the flag's design also violates "good flag design" tenets, which value simplicity and symbols rich with meaning.
According to state statute, the new designs "must accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota's shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities." However, "symbols, emblems, or likenesses that represent only a single community or person, regardless of whether real or stylized, may not be included in a design."
The public is invited to comment online on the designs, and SERC members will pick their top 25 choices for the new flag and seal by mid-November.
The commission as a whole must then pick five finalists, with residents also able to provide their feedback on those.
SERC has to submit a report with the new designs to the state legislature by Jan. 1, 2024, and they will be officially adopted by Statehood Day, which is May 11.