The state asked the public for new flag ideas. The public didn't disappoint.

"With over 1,000 submissions, the public utilized seemingly every Massachusetts cultural staple in its proposed flags, seals and mottos. From a tri-color flag of Dunkin's magenta, orange, and white, to the Patriots' 3-to-28 scoreboard, the Massachusetts public had no shortage of suggestions for what should be on a new state flag. The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission ran its open call for submissions for the new state flag, seal, and motto from May 8 to June 18."

""Our seal, flag, and motto should reflect not just our history, but the vibrant, diverse community we are today - and the future we are building together," said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler in the open call's May announcement. The state recommended that the submissions highlight natural elements associated with Massachusetts: for instance, cranberries, the right whale, pine trees, the coastline, or the geographic shape of the state."

""The Advisory Commission has been impressed with both the volume and the quality of submissions received," said Abigail Phillips, director of communications at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. The commission narrowed the selection down to 48 flags, 23 seals, and 32 mottos, utilizing a scoring rubric and a "traffic light" method to determine which designs would advance, according to Phillips. The Advisory Commission members will further narrow the selections down to three for each category during its meeting on Thursday, said Phillips."

Massachusetts held an open call from May 8 to June 18 seeking designs for a new state flag, seal, and motto. The public submitted over 1,000 entries featuring many cultural staples, including a Dunkin-inspired tri-color and a Patriots 3-to-28 scoreboard. The state asked for natural elements like cranberries, the right whale, pine trees, coastline, or the state's geographic shape, though many submissions omitted those elements. The Advisory Commission scored entries using a rubric and a 'traffic light' method, advancing 48 flags, 23 seals, and 32 mottos. Commissioners will trim selections to three per category for statewide public meetings and feedback.

Read at Boston.com