Our Michigan State Flag portrays a man with his right hand raised in peace. His left hand holds a gun to say that although we love peace, we stand ready to defend our State, our Nation, our Rights and Ourselves.

The motto just above the man "Tuebor" means
"I will defend".

Michigan Constitution: Article 1, Section 6:
"Every person has a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state"