East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg, a Republican from Dieterich, is rallying support to maintain the current Illinois State flag. He reports that hundreds of residents from the 102nd District and across Illinois have signed his petition against changing the flag's design.

The history of the Illinois State flag dates back to 1911 when Ella Park Lawrence, the State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), offered a $25 prize for the best state flag design. Lucy Derwent from the Rockford DAR chapter won with her design featuring the state seal on a white background. "The current flag has been our state flag since 1915 when Lucy Derwent of the Rockford Daughters of the American Revolution chapter placed the Great Seal on a plain white background," said Rep. Niemerg, who holds a history degree from Eastern Illinois University. He added that in 1969, "the word ‘Illinois’ was added to the bottom of the flag, becoming the flag that is recognized today."

The Illinois Flag Commission has released new designs as potential replacements and will present their findings by April 1, 2025, to the General Assembly for a decision. Niemerg urges Illinois residents to participate in an online vote in January regarding whether to retain or change the current flag.

Niemerg's petition also has signatures from individuals in 26 other states who have connections to Illinois and value its historical symbols. "I am pleased that so many people are interested in helping to stop this move to change the state flag," he stated.

For further inquiries about this initiative or other state matters, Representative Niemerg can be contacted at 217-813-6036 or through his website at RepNiemerg.com.