Minnesota
The official flag for the state of Minnesota includes its state seal surrounded by a wreath of flowers on a blue background. It bears many dates, like a historic timeline: 1819, the year the first settlement at Fort Snelling was established; 1858, the year Minnesota became a state; and 1893, the year the first official flag was adopted. The red ribbon at the top of the seal displays the state motto: “L’Etoile du Nord,” which translates from French to “star of the north”. The largest star at the top represents the North Star, and Minnesota. You’ll notice that there nineteen stars surrounding referencing Minnesota as the 19th state to join the union (after the original 13 colonies). And of course, there’s also the word “Minnesota” located at the bottom.
Fun fact, the original flag accidentally displayed white lady’s slipper flowers on the wreath that’ not native to the state. This was corrected in 1957, and the flag now displays pink and white lady’s slippers, that is also the state flower.
Massachusetts
Let's start this one off with a fun state fact. Massachusetts, as peculiar as it may seem, has three official flags: a state flag, a governor's flag, and a maritime flag (despite it no longer having its own navy). Go figure. The state flag consists of the Massachusetts coat of arms on either side. On the coat of arms, there's an Algonquin Native American from the Massachuset tribe, carrying a bow and arrow pointing downward symbolizing peace. Above him is a single white star that represents the Bay State as one of the 13 original colonies of the United States (and the 6th state admitted into the Union). On a blue ribbon around the lower part of the shield bearing the state motto "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem" Latin for “By the Sword We Seek Peace, but Peace Only under Liberty,”. The motto is also reflected by the bent arm at the top of the shield holding up a sword.
The Massachusetts state flag is one of only three state flags, along with Florida and Minnesota, to a have Native American prominently featured in its heraldry, and it's the also is one of only two states in the U.S. to have a two-sided state flag, the other being Oregon.
Michigan
Michigan’s state flag was adopted in 1911 and is another flag that showcases national and state values. It's blue and includes the state’s coat of arms, which include the Bald Eagle holding an olive branch and arrows (the U.S. national emblem) above a shield displaying a sunrise over a lake, and a man standing on a grassy peninsula waving with one hand while holding a rifle in the other. The man is said to represent the desire for peace but will to fight for state and nation whenever necessary. The shield is supported by an elk and a moose, the great animals of Michigan.
There are three state mottos that encircle the coat of arms: E Pluribus Unum; Tuebor; and Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, which translate from Latin to "From many, one"; "I will defend"; and "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you" respectively. If you notice, the shield of arms depicts them pictorially. What a masterpiece!
Mississippi
Most state flags have evolved over the year to reflect its residents' current temperament and the ones that haven't are highly controversial topics today. Mississippi’s state flag resembles Georgia’s, except that unlike Georgia, they chose to keep the Confederate battle flag blue-star-adorned cross. It remains the only state flag that continues to bear the tendentious symbol; however, many non-minority Mississippians are pretty adamant about it keeping it.
In 2001, a proposal to remove the Confederate battle flag once and for all was soundly defeated by Mississippi voters, thus the original design remains.
Missouri
In 1820, Missouri was the 24th state to join the Union but for nearly a century after achieving statehood, it did not adopt an official flag. So, when they finally decided on one in 1913, they made it a point to pack it with symbolism. The flag was designed by Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver, who was in part, inspired by Missouri's historic coat of arms which displayed a Bald Eagle with olive branches (peace) and arrows (war), a grizzly bear (strength and courage), and a crescent moon (bright future). On top are the words “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
The horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue are reminiscent of the state's French heritage, the coat of arms is supported by two additional grizzly bears standing on a scroll inscribed with the words “Salus populi suprema lex esto” which translates to “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” Below the scroll are the Roman numerals for 1820 all circled with a band of 24 stars denoting Missouri’s induction into the union.