Close your eyes and try to picture the Vermont flag…

If you’re drawing a blank — you're not alone.

Our flag defies almost all the flag design rules set out by the North American Vexillological Association. 

That’s part of the reason why Brian Sewell, of Burlington, thinks Vermont should consider an upgrade. He asked:

“Other states are undergoing redesigns of their state flags. How much do Vermonters know about our flag? And is it time to update ours too?”

Have an idea for a new Vermont flag design? Check out our web post for a template and instructions to submit it to the show — we’ll post our favorites! We’ve also included question-asker Brian’s proposed redesign as inspiration.

For more on flag design, check out this TED Talk from Roman Mars: “Why city flags may be the worst-designed thing you've never noticed”

This episode was reported by Mikaela Lefrak. Editing and production from the BLS team: Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Amanda Gustin, Ted Kaye and Katie Grant.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.