Local legislator congratulates flag redesign contest winner

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, accompanied Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as she unveiled the new State Flag.

State flag redesign contest winner Adam Lemire of
Gardiner, left, is joined by State Senator Tim Nangle
of Windham and Maine Secretary of State Shenna
Bellows in Augusta on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

The design process has been a topic of conversation since Secretary Bellows announced in June that she was calling for design entries from Mainers in a statewide design contest.

The original Maine flag featured a unique pine tree and star design and flew over Maine from 1901 to 1909. Starting in 1909, the Maine Legislature approved a flag redesign change with a dark blue flag featuring the state seal in 1909, and it remains in existence today.

The winning pine tree flag design proposal was submitted by Adam Lemire of Gardiner. During a referendum in November, voters will decide to either keep the current state flag or change it to the 1901 pine tree design.

According to Bellows, Lemire's design would serve as the model design, although other versions that meet the Maine Legislature’s statutory language would still be acceptable as the official Maine flag.

Nangle said he is grateful to play a role in the state flag process.

“I was honored to serve on the bipartisan advisory panel to select the final design,” said Sen. Nangle. “Our flag is something every Mainer should be proud of and I look forward to seeing what Mainers across our state choose on November 5. I congratulate and thank Adam Lemire of Gardiner for his design, innovative spirit, and dedication to Maine’s heritage.”

As a result of LD 86, “An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag,” passed in 2023; Maine voters will have a chance in November to vote for the flag of their choice.

Question 5 on the November ballot will allow registered voters to choose between the current Maine State Flag, or the new design. Lemire design showcases 16 different branches, representing the 16 different state counties. No branch is the same, and no branch represents a specific district. <