Minnesota's new state flag is now official, and they're now readily available if you're wondering how to go about getting one.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says they're readily available online or in local stores that sell flags. He says depending on the manufacturer, the colors could vary slightly, but says that's true even with the American flag.
"I would say that folks should read the box or read the packaging to see if it complies and if it's official," Simon explained. "But even if it's just a little bit off, that's really a matter of taste."
The new flag contains an abstract shape of the state in two shades of blue, with a white star. It replaces the old design that many say was disparaging to Native Americans.
Despite continued opposition from some groups, Simon thinks the new design is something to be proud of.
"It's not about dishonoring anything that we've had in the past," Simon explained. "The past flag and seal will be given a place of honor. They'll be talked about. They'll be displayed. But this is about pivoting to some emblems and symbols that are more inclusive and that represent all of us."
Simon notes that lots of people were involved in the process.
"2,128 flag submissions, and 399 seal submissions, and taking in nearly 22,000 written comments from Minnesotans all over our state," he says.
Both the new flag and state seal became official this past Saturday, exactly 166 years after Minnesota was admitted into the United States.