Thursday, April 9, 2009

On Wisconsin


That's the Wisconsin state flag flying next to Old Glory over the Pewaukee Library. Obviously it was quite a windy day (as evidenced by the fact they are standing straight out like this.) The flag's shield represents the history and culture of Wisconsin.

The state motto "Forward" is at the top of the shield. Below it is a badger, the state animal; and a sailor and a miner show that people work on water and land. The four sections in the center represent the state's main industries: agriculture, mining, manufacturing and navigation. The cornucopia and pile of lead represent farm products (dairy!) and minerals. 1848 is the year Wisconsin was admitted to the union. It may not appear so because of the angle, but the state flag is flying lower than the US flag, as dictated by tradition.

No comments: