SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Nearly 400 people have submitted designs for a new Illinois state flag since Tuesday. The Illinois Flag Commission hopes people of all ages enjoy the opportunity to participate in history.
The Illinois state flag has not changed in over 100 years, even though it is nearly identical to the state seal.
The Illinois state flag has not changed in over 100 years, even though it is nearly identical to the state seal.
"The seal represents government," Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said Thursday. "I believe the flag should be a symbol that represents the people and not the government."
Some people love to see the American Eagle holding the shield bearing the national stars and stripes with water and a sunrise in the horizon. However, many Illinoisans are ready for change and commission members can't wait to see fresh innovative designs.
"I'm excited to see what trends we observe," said Tandra Taylor, a history professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. "What's on people's minds and what are their moods? How do these submissions inform what folks are thinking about Illinois?"
Illinoisans can submit their flag designs until October 18. The commission will pick 10 flags for the public to vote on over six weeks starting January 1. Members will then make their recommendations to state lawmakers by April 1.
"I'm a retired art educator, and I have students in their 50s that right now are brushing up on their art skills because they want to participate in this also," said Rev. Sherrell Byrd Jr. of Southern Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Illinois. "So, I found that everyone I've spoken to is very excited about this project. I believe it's very positive. If it's going to stir that kind of excitement up, I'm just looking forward to it."
People are having plenty of fun with this as well. Turner told WAND News that one of her colleagues designed a flag with corn, Abe Lincoln and the Chicago Bulls logo.
Commission members stressed that Illinois is not required to have a new flag. The current state flag will be included in the group of ten flags you can vote on starting January 1.
"I have always said that history is living, breathing and ever evolving," Turner said. "I think that we need to ensure that government is also evolving with the times so people are engaged and feel like they're a part of what's going on across the state."
Residents can submit design ideas online or via mail until Oct. 18
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