About the Flag
I think that the current state flag of New Hampshire basically consists of the state seal on a blue background, commonly called a seaI-on-a-bedsheet. The people of New Hampshire helped me decide what to put on this flag. This will explain to you why these symbols are on my flag and why I think the state flag should be changed.
Firstly, The Old Man of the Mountain is a distinct symbol to both New Hampshirites and people nationwide. The Old Man of the Mountain is synonymous with New Hampshire. It is on the state emblem, license plates, state route signs, and the New Hampshire state quarter. The motto “Live Free or Die” is a synonymous symbol featured on our state emblem and license plates. This flag would give the Old Man representation on flagpoles across the state. This flag also includes “Live Free or Die”, our state motto famously written by General John Stark in 1809. There are also 9 stars representing New Hampshire being the 9th state admitted to the union.
Secondly, 2 states have recently changed their seal-on-a-bedsheet flags, Utah and Minnesota. I think that the design that I am proposing would be a unique symbol of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire flag is one of 33 that use their state seal or coat of arms on their flag and one of the 25 flags with a blue background.
In the 2001 State/Provincial Flag Survey by the North American Vexillological Association, New Hampshire ranked 63rd, or in other words the 10th worst flag in the survey.
That is why I argue that if New Hampshire's flag is changed it may be a better and more effective flag to represent NH.
I have spoken with flag experts and shown them my design. They seem to like the Old Man of the Mountain, a simple design with few colors and no state seal. The state seal is disliked by both Vexillologists and New Hampshire citizens. The Vexillologists would like a simple flag. Although none of these vexillologists are from New Hampshire, they were swayed after I educated them on the symbolism of the Old Man and Live Free or Die. The people of New Hampshire that I've talked to, like the flag that incorporates the Old Man and Live Free or Die.
You may wonder how many people visit the beautiful White Mountains, in which the Old Man was nestled. Well, According to the Forest Service, The White Mountains receives upwards of 6 million visitors annually. There is a field of white on my flag to represent the White Mountains. A large majority of these visitors understand the symbolism that the Old Man represents for New Hampshire. And as far as Live Free or Die, General Stark wrote this as a toast to the Battle of Bennington, a battle which helped America on its quest for Independence. The full quote is actually: Live free or die: Death is not the greatest of evils. New Hampshire is a state that fought to secure the freedoms we all enjoy today. Putting Live Free or Die on the Flag serves as a commemoration to our state’s history and the freedoms we all enjoy today.
Everyone, What do you think of when you think of New Hampshire. What I think about is the Old Man and Live Free or Die, both great symbols of the great Granite State.
Why Change the State Flag?
A Flag to STAND OUT Among Others
New Hampshire's state flag is our seal on a blue background. It's very similar to that of the state flags of over half the country, which could be described as having the state seal or coat of arms on a one color background. I think that we should have a flag that represents the Granite State clearly, not one that blends in with others.
An Accurate and Proud Symbol of New Hampshire
The centerpiece of our state flag is the USS Raleigh - which was built in Maine, then part of Massachusetts, captured by the enemy and used against us for the rest of the war. This symbol is not a good representation of our state. In fact, this flag does such a bad job representing us that it was ranked the 10th worst flag in the U.S. and Canada in 2001.
Pride in New Hampshire
Meanwhile, my proposal calls to mind some of the proud symbols of New Hampshire. This flag features the Old Man of the Mountain which is on our license plates, highway signs, state quarters and more. This flag also features Live Free or Die, famously written by Revolutionary War Major-General John Stark in 1809. Along with Live Free or Die, this flag includes 9 stars commemorating New Hampshire's status as 9th state in the Union. Lastly, this flag includes a field of white for the White Mountains and a field of blue for the Seacoast .