Sales associate Tom Koenig raises the American and Illinois State flags outside the Ace Hardware store, at the opening time, 8 AM, in LaGrange Park, Jan. 27, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) ...

Illinois’ current flag incorporates the state’s official seal, which was adopted in 1869. The flag itself was adopted in 1915, with a small addition of the state’s name added in 1970 ...