The state seal on Michigan's flag features an image of a man with his right hand raised in peace and his left hand holding a rifle. This reflects the Tuebor (Latin for "I will defend") on the flag. It can also be seen as a reference to Article 1, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution which reads, "Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state."
That may soon change. According to MIRS News, Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-Grand Rapids) has promised to introduce legislation by the end of this month to create a commission to design a new flag that the Legislature would then vote on. Skaggs explains, "Michigan is a unique and special state, and we need to have a flag that itself is unique and special so that we can rally behind it. A good flag with strong symbolism that’s meaningful to people creates a common sense of purpose. That’s something that we need in Michigan right now."
Michigan's seal dates to 1835. The current flag was adopted in 1865. Given the recent Michigan legislative record attacking the right to keep and bear arms, we can presume the strong symbolism and common sense of purpose Skaggs envisions would not include a gun.
“Those who control the present, control the past and those who control the past control the future.” -George Orwell, 1984
