Governor Bruce Rauner held the first meeting of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission.
The navy and gold design with 21 gold stars represents Illinois as the 21st state to enter the union. The colors are an acknowledgment to the State of Illinois’ official seal.
Rauner said at the meeting his administration is still "deeply rooted and invested in our children's education."
The gathering was called by two of the Commission's newly appointed co-chairs: Gloria Castillo, president and CEO of Chicago United, and Randy Dunn, president of the SIU System based at SIU-Carbondale.
Rauner signed an order in Sept. to create the new Illinois Bicentennial Commission; it also named the Governor's Office of the Illinois Bicentennial to lead the planning for the celebration of the state's 200th birthday.