The flag’s light blue background represents the state’s waters, according to the commission. Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker, whose design formed the basis of the new flag, said it felt ...

The left side of the design features a North Star on a navy blue background resembling the state’s K-shape, while the right side is a solid light blue ... replace an older flag widely criticized ...

That flag would ... set over a red background. This would colloquially be known as the "rebel flag." The Confederate Navy would also adopt a similar flag, but with a brighter blue.