New York Flag Could Change For First Time in 138 Years

If Gov. Andrew Cuomo gets his wish New York's state flag will change for the first time since 1882.

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Cuomo wants to add a Latin phrase he often uses "E Pluribus Unum" to New York's flag, the Democrat & Chronicle reports.

The phrase means "out of many, one." Cuomo announced his proposal during his State of the State address last week, believing the flag change will deliver a unifying message when the nation is very divided.

"In this term of turmoil, let New York state remind the nation of who we are," Cuomo said during his State of the State Address. "Let's add 'E Pluribus Unum' to the seal of our state and proclaim at this time the simple truth that without unity, we are nothing."

The change would mark the first change to New York's flag in 138 years.

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The flag was first made in 1777 with elements dating back to the Revolutionary War. The next year an official coat of arms was placed on the flag. The flag has been slightly changed four other times, the last coming in 1882.

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