Via Universal Hub, I really like some of the submissions for the new state flag, seal and motto – and I’m particularly impressed with how many of the submissions include the traditional Massachusetts (and New England) pine-tree symbol. Here’s hoping state officials somehow, somewhere weave the ye olde pine tree into a final design. … My favorite submission, shown above, provides multiple options on how to modify the current state flag and motto. I guess my first choice would be option A. But if people strongly objected to inclusion of an image of an Indian, then I’d go with option C (with a lighter blue background). … It’d be a shame to exclude a Native American from the flag, since the state of Massachusetts is literally named after the Massachusett tribe, for heaven’s sake. But these are overly sensitive times, so I fear the Indian is gone. … I love the suggested Dunkin’ flag (below), but I’m not sure it passes the dignified-symbol test. … And how can you not love the suggested motto: “Massachusetts: Witch-free since 1693.” … Actually, the motto on the simple doodle submission below is pretty damn good: “Freedom for All / Upheld by All.” …

Finally, please, let’s leave out political correctness or show-off modernist tastes that will only look dated within a decade or so. This is Massachusetts. Tradition and consensus matter.

Update — 8.29.25 – The Globe reports on the flag, seal and motto submissions — and prominently featured three of them (see below). I assume they were attractive to someone at the Globe. But not to me. The first two look like EPA logos. The third looks a like something from the Harvard Department of Biology .