On the light blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with raised hand and holding a long gun represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the eagle represents the United States.
The design on Michigan's deep blue field has three mottos. From top-to-bottom they are:
On a red ribbon: E Pluribus Unum, Latin for "Out of one many", former motto of the United States.
On the light blue shield: Tuebor, Latin for "I will Defend"
On a white ribbon upper loop: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam, Latin for "If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula"
On a white ribbon lower loop: CIRCUMSPICE, Latin for "Look Around"
