State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) released information that shows hundreds of Illinoisans from around the 102nd District, throughout the state have signed his petition to oppose changing the Illinois State flag. In 1911, Ella Park Lawrence, the State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), offered a $25 prize to the Illinois DAR chapter that submitted the best design for the state flag. Lucy Derwent of the Rockford DAR chapter won the contest and designed a flag 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,” explained Rep. Adam Niemerg, a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a history degree. “The only change to that design was in 1969 when the word ‘Illinois’ was added to the bottom of the flag, becoming the flag that is recognized today.”
The Illinois Flag Commission (Illinois Flag Commission) has released the designs of potential replacements. (Illinois State Flag Contest Top 10 Finalists). Niemerg is encouraging the people of Illinois to vote online in January to keep the current flag. The results of the public voting will be collected by the Flag Commission. The Flag Commission is directed to present its findings by April 1, 2025 to the General Assembly, who will then vote on whether to change the design or keep the current one.
Anyone who has not signed the petition may still be counted in preserving our Illinois State Flag. Sign the petition here: https://www.ilhousegop.org/rep_niemerg_save_our_state_flag_petition.
“In addition to the current residents of my district and across Illinois, people from 26 other states have signed the petition who have ties to Illinois and appreciate preserving our history and tradition,” added Niemerg. “I am pleased that so many people are interested in helping to stop this move to change the state flag.”
If you have questions or concerns about this or any other state program or policy, please contact Rep. Niemerg at 217-813-6036 or online at RepNiemerg.com.