1/30/2010:
The U. S. Quartermaster General wrote to the North Dakota Adjutant General on this date in 1957, recommending a coat of arms to be used in representing North Dakota. Major General Heber Edwards approached the Quartermaster General on behalf of the state's National Guard, which had asked about a possible coat of arms. The heraldic device suggested was centered on a yellow arrowhead crest, representing the state's Native American history and one of its nicknames, the "Sioux State." The crest had a green diagonal band running through it with three yellow stars, representing the three branches of state government, as well as the history of the territory under three foreign flags. The crest also featured a green fleur-de-lis, symbolizing French influences and its inclusion in the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, a motto, "Strength From the Soil," ran along the bottom. The colors green and yellow were chosen to represent the importance of agriculture.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
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