Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission is voting on finalists from their open community submissions for a new flag, seal, and motto.
Over one thousand contributors have made submissions to the Commission, which has sifted through to find the best of them.
Many submissions didn't make the cut including a flag picturing Podokesaurus Holyokensis, the state dinosaur, chosen in January 2021.
Some local residents called the submission "confusing" and "not very serious."
After an initial round of selections, the Commission narrowed the submissions down to 48 flags, 32 mottos and 23 seals.
The Commission was established by Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2024 in order to make updates to the state flag's design, which is considered controversial.
This came a year after the previous Commission, Special Commission on Official Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth, established in 2020, was disbanded after 3 years.
The current flag's design depicts the Wampanoag leader known as Massasoit Sachem, who signed a treaty in 1621 with the pilgrims and above him is an arm holding a sword.
The Latin words on the flag translate to meaning "He seeks peace by the sword, under the quiet of liberty."
The depiction of holding a sword over Massasoit's head has been found offensive by many, saying it represents violence against natives.
The Commission will vote on Thursday, August 28th to choose three finalists.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.