Cambridge Considers Moving 'Painful' State Flag

CAMBRIDGE, MA — The Cambridge City Council discussed removing the state flag from city council chambers last month during a vote on whether to support a state resolution to look into changing the flag. The mayor said he'd check with the legal council to see what to do about the flag in the chambers. Monday, the question is coming back to the city council with a possible vote.

According to a proposal brought forward by the mayor, vice mayor and two city councilors, the city solicitor determined there's no law saying the state flag has to be displayed in the city council chambers.

Native Americans spoke out against the flag the council, saying it's offensive and a painful reminder of colonists' brutality.

The state seal was adopted by Governor John Hancock and the Council on December 13, 1780 and made official by the General Court on June 4, 1885, is circular and bears a representation of the arms of the Commonwealth encircled with the words, "Sigillum Reipublicae Massachusettensis" or seal of the Republic of Massachusetts. The final form of the seal was determined by a statewide contest.

The flag was approved for the Commonwealth in its final form on July 3, 1971; before that, the other side depicted a green pine tree, according to the state secretary's office.

The flag also depicts the disembodied arm of Myles Standish holding a sword over a shield with a Native American standing inside. The Native American is holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in another. The problem, is that Standish is known for establishing the Plymouth Colony, but also for his brutality toward the native peoples. And he's known to have decapitated at least a few.
The juxtaposition of Standish's arm and sword over the Native person, so close to his head, is what many have taken issue with.

Others say that's looking at it the wrong way. The flag is on a white field is a blue shield emblazoned with the image of a Native American, a Massachusetts. He holds a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. The arrow is pointing downward, they say, representing peace. The white star represents Massachusetts as one of the original 13 states. Around the bottom of the shield is a blue ribbon with the motto: "By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only Under Liberty." Above the shield is am arm and sword, representing the first part of the motto.