When we pulled in to Newport, Rhode Island, I asked a guy what Rhode Island was known for.

He shrugged, then walked away.

That was when I realized. Rhode Island’s main export? Apathy.

In 1791, when Rhode Island was first added to the union of states, the flag makers asked the first governmental body of Rhode Island what they wanted as their state motto.

The Road Islanders simply responded, “Meh.”

And that, children, is why to this day, if you look at the state flag of Rhode Island, you’ll see the tiniest little embroidered square of fabric, right under the wreath, that reads: MEH.