Now we hear that they got the date wrong on the Illinois
state seal.
The seal, which is the centerpiece of the state flag,
features a perched eagle bearing a banner, “State Sovereignty, National Union”
encircled by the words, “Seal of the State of Illinois Aug. 26, 1818.”
Only, the state of Illinois did not become the State of
Illinois until Dec. 3, 1818.
Springfield’s Rep. Tim Butler has introduced a bill in the
House to change the date on future depictions of the emblem. No news about who
screwed up, but reportedly it’s been screwed up since 1868.
A century and a half to fix even a minor problem? Maybe we
ought to leave it as is. How better to represent the State of Illinois?
While they’re at it, maybe they could take a look at other
dubious aspects of the design. What was almost certainly intended as a rising
sun looks these days like a setting sun – better to leave it out. And what is
the implicit political message conveyed by that stars-and-stripes shield
crushing an olive branch? As for that body of water – shouldn’t the water be
brown rather than blue?
I say, toss the whole thing and start over.
This article appears in Feb 2-8, 2017.
