Utah's flag displays the state seal design against a field of blue. The beehive on the shield is a symbol of hard work and industry (the state motto is "INDUSTRY," and Utah's nickname is The Beehive State). The date 1847 is the year the Mormons came to Utah. 1896 is the year Utah became the 45th state.
A bald eagle, the United States national bird, perches atop the shield as a symbol of protection in peace and war. The sego lily is a symbol of peace (also the state flower of Utah), and a U.S. flag appears on each side, representing Utah's support to the nation.