SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Flags often evoke deep emotional connections, leading to affectionate or humorous nicknames such as Old Glory, Union Jack, and the Maple Leaf. In Illinois, the state flag has acquired its own unique alias: the “Seal on a Bedsheet” (SOB). This nickname refers to the emblem on Illinois’ flag, featuring a bald eagle on a pristine white background.
The notion of redesigning Illinois’ flag led to a fresh endeavor, as some visionary lawmakers initiated a competition to envision a new banner for the state. However, when the time came to decide, voters opted for familiarity, selecting the current flag with overwhelming support.
The existing flag, often jokingly labeled as SOB, claimed an overwhelming victory. Out of approximately 385,000 votes garnered, this current design, which displays a white field with a bald eagle clutching a shield in its talons and holding a ribbon in its beak inscribed with “State Sovereignty, National Union,” won 43% of the vote. This was a greater count than the sum of votes for the subsequent six competitors combined.
“Some may find fault with our SOB, and flag experts may scoff, but the clear preference among the people is evident,” remarked Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. As the chair of the Illinois Flag Commission, Giannoulias is part of a group appointed by the governor and state leaders to oversee the flag initiative.
The existing flag design, crafted in 1915 and later amended in 1970 with the addition of the word “Illinois,” carries historical significance. As a call for new ideas, residents last year could submit proposals for a new flag. Out of these, the committee selected ten finalists and included the current design along with previous flags from 1918 and 1968 commemorations.
“This process was never about mandating a new flag. It was about gauging public opinion,” explained Rep. Kam Buckner, who backed the legislation behind the flag commission. Though appreciative of the response, Buckner pointed out that while the current flag claimed nearly 166,000 votes, a collective of 219,000 votes supported new flag proposals. Buckner himself found the second-place design, characterized by a star-haloed sun rising above prairie green stripes, particularly appealing.
The journey isn’t concluded yet. The decision ultimately rests with the General Assembly. However, Buckner expressed doubt regarding the likelihood of a change, given the strong preference for the existing design.
For Buckner, the contest achieved more than just a discussion about aesthetics; it sparked a renewed sense of pride among Illinoisans. “It’s a reminder of the care people have for their state and how we want to be perceived by others,” he reflected.
