Now advertised as a return to Maine’s “original” state flag, the Question 5 state flag referendum design was only adopted by the Legislature in 1900. Why did the Legislature replace it with our current flag in less than 10 years? Was Maine’s traditional flag restored in 1909 because Civil War veterans, like Joshua Chamberlain, remembered many Mainers fought and died under that banner? Did 1909 politicians recognize a mistake?
Is Maine a landlocked state like Vermont or Wyoming? Do the North Star and a pine tree (?) truly represent a unique state with an iconic Atlantic coastline? Our present flag does a better job.
And, do we need a new state flag? Folks can enjoy their “original” 1900 flags for years to come, regardless of this election. So, why not vote “No” on Question 5?
Aren’t there better uses for taxpayer money? Let’s save an authentic Maine tradition.
Richard Spear
Phippsburg
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