The current Missouri flag, while steeped in history, falls short of fully capturing the state's rich heritage and distinct characteristics. In my proposed revision, I aim to enhance the symbolism to better represent Missouri's identity.

The symbolism behind my proposed Missouri flag redesign is the same as the current state flag (namely the bear symbolizing strength and the crescent moon symbolizing the state's growing influence), with a couple of additions: The two colored stripes symbolize the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The 24 "waves" (12 on each stripe) nod to Missouri's status as the 24th state, just as the stars on the current flag symbolize. The use of waves does not come without historical precedent, being featured in various Missouri iconography, such as its current state license plate and the flags of St. Louis and Jefferson City. The enlarged crescent can also serve as an abstracted canoe (made more apparent by the waves), incorporating indigenous history into the state flag and the etymology behind the word Missouri--"large canoes." The bear can also be seen as trotting "west," symbolizing Missouri’s pivotal role in U.S. westward expansion as 'The Gateway to the West.' 

 

 

 

 

Different Color Shades:

 

 

 

Waving: