New Utah state flag chosen after months of deliberation
Nov 10, 2022, 1:55 PM | Updated: 4:53 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Flag Task Force made their pick for the new state flag on Thursday. The decision comes after a months-long process to choose a new state flag.
Gov. Spencer Cox co-chairs the flag task force with Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. Other state representatives make up the rest of the task force, as well as a member of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement.
Next, the legislature will vote on the final selection from the Utah State Flag Task Force.
Reaction to new Utah flag from the Gov. and Lt. Gov
Gov. Cox spoke with KSL News Radio’s Boyd Matheson about the decision
“I said before that I would not support a flag that didn’t have the beehive on it,” he said. “That was really important to me. I think it’s the one symbol from our current state flag that is the most prominent, it’s distinct, you know nobody else is the beehive state.”
Lt. Gov. Henderson shared a pair of tweets showcasing the number of Utahns who were involved with the project, and a response for any skeptics.
From 5,703 original designs created by Utahns in all 29 counties.
20 semi-finalists.
44,000+ survey responses.
Now, one flag to represent Utah’s shared identity. pic.twitter.com/HXfh7lOAH3
— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) November 10, 2022
My message to skeptical Utahns: The ceremonial flag isn’t going away; instead, we’ll fly it on special occasions and official holidays.
We can have both. We can celebrate both.
— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) November 10, 2022
The meaning behind the new flag
According to the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s website, the new flag is rich with symbolism.
- The shapes behind the beehive represent Utah’s mountains.
- A guiding star with eight points represents Utah’s Tribal Nations, which include Goshute, Paiute, Shoshone, Ute, and Navajo tribes and bands.
- The classic beehive (a favorite of Gov. Cox) represents community and industry.
- The hexagon represents strength and unity.
- Red represents perseverance and the red rocks found in southern portions of Utah, like St. George and Zion National Park.
- White represents peace and the greatest snow on earth.
- Blue represents tradition and the dark skies.
