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Like many
state flags, Maine's was based on that of
the state's military. Through the time of
the American Civil War, Maine's troops
carried a blue flag showing the state's
coat of arms; this was adopted as the
state flag in 1909. The motto "Dirigo"
(I Direct) forms part of the arms along
with the North Star. Maine chose the star,
a navigational guide for sailors, as its
symbol at the time of statehood in 1820
because it was then the northernmost
state. |
