State Seal, Song and Symbols

NMSA 1978 ch. 12, art. 3

in effect

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-1 [State seal; design.]

12-3-1. [State seal; design.] The coat of arms of the state shall be the Mexican eagle grasping a serpent in its beak, the cactus in its talons, shielded by the American eagle with outspread wings, and grasping arrows in its talons; the date 1912 under the eagles and, on a scroll, the motto: "Crescit Eundo." The great seal of the state shall be a disc bearing the coat of arms and having around the edge the words "Great Seal of the State of New Mexico." Laws 1887, ch. 70, § 1; C.L. 1897, § 3798; Code 1915, § 5422; C.S. 1929, § 135-101; 1941 Comp., § 3-1301; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-2 [Adoption of flag for state of New Mexico.]

12-3-2. [Adoption of flag for state of New Mexico.] That a flag be and the same is hereby adopted to be used on all occasions when the state is officially and publicly represented, with the privilege of use by all citizens upon such occasions as they may deem fitting and appropriate. Said flag shall be the ancient Zia sun symbol of red in the center of a field of yellow. The colors shall be the red and yellow of old Spain. The proportion of the flag shall be a width of two-thirds its length. The sun symbol shall be one-third of the length of the flag. Said symbol shall have four groups of rays set at right angles; each group shall consist of four rays, the two inner rays of the group shall be one-fifth longer than the outer rays of the group. The diameter of the circle in the center of the symbol shall be one-third of the width of the symbol. Said flag shall conform in color and design described herein. Laws 1925, ch. 115, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 128-101; 1941 Comp., § 3-1302; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-2.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-2.1 State flag; disposal

12-3-2.1. State flag; disposal A. If a New Mexico state flag is no longer used or useful as an emblem for display, the flag may be destroyed, preferably by burning, in a ceremony or in another dignified manner that emphasizes its honor as a fitting emblem of New Mexico. B. The retirement of a New Mexico state flag may be a public ceremony under the direction of uniformed personnel representing a state or federal military service or a patriotic society or a private ceremony. Laws 2025, ch. 110, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-3 Salute to state flag

12-3-3. Salute to state flag The official salute to the state flag is: "I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures." 1953 Comp., § 4-14-2.1, enacted by Laws 1963, ch. 120, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-4 State flower; state bird; state tree; state fish; state animal; state vegetables; state gem; state grass; state fossil; state cookie; state insect; state question; state answer; state nickname; state butterfly; state reptile; state amphibian; state aircraft; state historic railroad; state tie; state necklace; state aroma

12-3-4. State flower; state bird; state tree; state fish; state animal; state vegetables; state gem; state grass; state fossil; state cookie; state insect; state question; state answer; state nickname; state butterfly; state reptile; state amphibian; state aircraft; state historic railroad; state tie; state necklace; state aroma A. The yucca flower is adopted as the official flower of New Mexico. B. The chaparral bird, commonly called roadrunner, is adopted as the official bird of New Mexico. C. The nut pine or pinon tree, scientifically known as Pinus edulis, is adopted as the official tree of New Mexico. D. The native New Mexico cutthroat trout is adopted as the official fish of New Mexico. E. The native New Mexico black bear is adopted as the official animal of New Mexico. F. The chile, the Spanish adaptation of the chilli, and the pinto bean, commonly known as the frijol, are adopted as the official vegetables of New Mexico. G. The turquoise is adopted as the official gem of New Mexico. H. The blue grama grass, scientifically known as Bouteloua gracillis, is adopted as the official grass of New Mexico. I. The coelophysis is adopted as the official fossil of New Mexico. J. The bizcochito is adopted as the official cookie of New Mexico. K. The tarantula hawk wasp, scientifically known as Pepsis formosa, is adopted as the official insect of New Mexico. L. "Red or green?" is adopted as the official question of New Mexico. M. "Red and green or Christmas" is adopted as the official answer of New Mexico. N. "The Land of Enchantment" is adopted as the official nickname of New Mexico. O. The Sandia hairstreak is adopted as the official butterfly of New Mexico. P. The New Mexico whiptail lizard, scientifically known as Cnemidophorus neomexicanus, is adopted as the official reptile of New Mexico. Q. The New Mexico spadefoot toad, scientifically known as Spea multiplicata, is adopted as the official amphibian of New Mexico. R. The hot air balloon is adopted as the official aircraft of New Mexico. S. The Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad is adopted as the official historic railroad of New Mexico. T. The bolo tie is adopted as the official tie of New Mexico. U. The Native American squash blossom necklace is adopted as the official necklace of New Mexico. V. The aroma of green chile roasting is adopted as the official aroma of New Mexico. Laws 1927, ch. 102, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 129-101; 1941 Comp., § 3-1303; Laws 1949, ch. 142, § 1; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-3; Laws 1955, ch. 245, § 1; 1963, ch. 2, § 1; 1965, ch. 20, § 1; 1967, ch. 51, § 1; 1967, ch. 118, § 1; 1973, ch. 95, § 1; 1981, ch. 123, § 1; 1989, ch. 8, § 1; 1989, ch. 154, § 1; 1999, ch. 266, § 1; 1999, ch. 271, § 1; 2003, ch. 182, § 1; 2005, ch. 4, § 1; 2005, ch. 254, § 1; 2007, ch. 10, § 1; 2007, ch. 179, § 1; 2011, ch. 52, § 1; 2023, ch. 31, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-5 [State song; adoption.]

12-3-5. [State song; adoption.] That the words and music of the song written by Elizabeth Garrett, entitled, "O, Fair New Mexico," as follows: Under a sky of azure, where balmy breezes blow; Kissed by the golden sunshine, is Nuevo Mejico. Home of the Montezuma, with fiery heart aglow, State of the deeds historic, is Nuevo Mejico. Chorus O, fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so Our hearts with pride o'erflow, no matter where we go, O, fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so, The grandest state to know, New Mexico. Second Verse Rugged and high sierras, with deep canyons below; Dotted with fertile valleys, is Nuevo Mejico. Fields full of sweet alfalfa, richest perfumes bestow, State of apple blossoms, is Nuevo Mejico. Chorus Third Verse Days that are full of heart-dreams, nights when the moon hangs low; Beaming its benediction, o'er Nuevo Mejico. Land with its bright manana, coming through weal and woe; State of our esperanza, is Nuevo Mejico. be and the same are hereby adopted and declared to be the state song for the state of New Mexico. Laws 1917, ch. 108, § 1; C.S. 1929, § 136-101; 1941 Comp., § 3-1304; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-4.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-6 Spanish language state song

12-3-6. Spanish language state song The words and music of "Asi Es Nuevo Mejico," written by Amadeo Lucero, are declared to be the Spanish language state song subject to the state of New Mexico acquiring ownership and copyright of this song. The words are: Un canto que traigo muy dentro del alma Lo canto a mi estado - mi tierra natal. De flores dorada mi tierra encantada De lindas mujeres - que no tiene igual. (Chorus) Asi es Nuevo Mejico Asi es esta tierra del sol De sierras y valles de tierras frutales Asi es Nuevo Mejico Second Verse El negro, el hispano, el anglo, el indio Todos son tus hijos, todos por igual. Tus pueblos y aldeas - mi tierra encantada De lindas mujeres que no tiene igual. (Chorus) Third Verse El Rio del Norte, que es el Rio Grande, Sus aguas corrientes fluyen hasta el mar Y riegan tus campos Mi tierra encantada de lindas mujeres Que no tiene igual. (Chorus) Fourth Verse Tus campos se visten de flores de Mayo De lindos colores Que Dios les doto Tus pajaros cantan mi tierra encantada Sus trinos de amores Al ser celestial. (Chorus) Fifth Verse Mi tierra encantada de historia banada Tan linda, tan bella - sin comparacion. Te rindo homenaje, te rindo carino Soldado valiente - te rinde su amor. (Chorus) 1953 Comp., § 4-14-4.1, enacted by Laws 1971, ch. 178, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-7 Spanish language salute to the state flag

12-3-7. Spanish language salute to the state flag The official Spanish language salute to the state flag is: Saludo la bandera del estado de Nuevo Mejico, el simbolo zia de amistad perfecta, entre culturas unidas. 1953 Comp., § 4-14-4.2, enacted by Laws 1973, ch. 185, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-8 [State song; filing in office of secretary of state.]

12-3-8. [State song; filing in office of secretary of state.] A copy of said [state] song exhibited with this bill shall be filed with the secretary of the state to be by him lodged in the archives of his office. Laws 1917, ch. 108, § 2; C.S. 1929, § 136-102; 1941 Comp., § 3-1305; 1953 Comp., § 4-14-5.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-9 State slogan for business, commerce and industry

12-3-9. State slogan for business, commerce and industry The official state slogan for business, commerce and industry in New Mexico is: "Everybody is somebody in New Mexico." 1953 Comp., § 4-14-6, enacted by Laws 1975, ch. 129, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-10 State ballad

12-3-10. State ballad The words and music of "Land of Enchantment - New Mexico", written by Michael Martin Murphy, Chick Raines and Don Cook, are declared to be the official state ballad. The words of the state ballad are as follows: I met a lady in my drifting days I quickly fell under the spell of her loving ways A rose in the desert I loved her so In the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico As we watched the sunset by the Rio Grande A mission bell rang farewell she took my hand She said "come back amigo no matter where you go" To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico From her arms I wandered, far across the sea I often heard her gentle words haunting me "Come back amigo, I miss you so" To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico So come back amigo no matter where you go To the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Laws 1989, ch. 120, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-11 State poem

12-3-11. State poem The poem "A Nuevo Mexico", written by Luis Tafoya in January 1911, is declared to be the official state poem. The poem, with its English translation, is as follows: "Levanta, Nuevo Mexico, esa abatida frente que anubla los encantos de tu serena faz, y alborozado acoje corona refulgente, simbolo de gloria y de ventura y paz. Despues de tantos anos de lucha y de porfia, tu suerte se ha cambiado y ganas la victoria, llegando a ver por fin el venturoso dia que es colmo de tu dicha y fuente de tu gloria. Has sido un gran imperio, colmado de riqueza, y grandes contratiempos tuviste que sufrir, mas ahora triunfo pleno alcanza tu entereza, y el premio a tu constancia pudiste conseguir. Tu pueblo por tres siglos aislado y solitario, de nadie tuvo ayuda, de nadie proteccion, lucho por su existencia osado y temerario, sellando con su sangre dominio y posesion. Tras tan heroico esfuerzo por fin has merecido el bien que procurabas con insistencia tanta de que en la Union de Estados fueses admitido con la soberania que al hombre libre encanta. Obstaculos y estorbos del todo desaparecen, y entrada libre tienes a la gloriosa Union, en donde los ciudadanos prosperan y florecen, con tantas garantias y tanta proteccion. Por tan pasmosa dicha el parabien te damos, a ti como a tus hijos, de honor tan senalado, y que en tu nueva esfera de veras esperamos que a fuer de gran imperio seras un gran estado. TO NEW MEXICO Lift, New Mexico, your tired forehead That clouds the enchantment of your peaceful face, And joyfully receive the bright crown, Symbol of glory, venture, and peace. After so many years of fight and persistence Your luck has changed and you gain victory, Reaching up to see your fortunate day at last That is an overflow of happiness and the fountain of your glory. You have been a great empire filled with riches, And many mishaps you had to suffer, But now complete triumph reach up to your integrity, And reward for your constancy, you were able to achieve. Your people for three centuries, isolated and lonely, With help or protection from nobody, They fought for their existence, reckless and daring Sealing with their blood their dominion and possession. After such heroic effort finally you deserve The goodness with such an insistence you procure, To be admitted in the state of the union With the sovereignty that is a free man's enchantment. Obstacles and hindrance for good they disappear, And free admittance you have to the glorious union, Where the people prosper and flourish With so many guarantees and great protection. For that marvelous satisfaction we welcome you, You and your children such a deserved honor, And in your new sphere we truly hope That by dint of imperiousness a great state you will become". Laws 1991, ch. 202, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-12 State bilingual song

12-3-12. State bilingual song A. The words and music of "New Mexico -- Mi Lindo Nuevo Mexico", written by Pablo Mares, are declared to be the state bilingual song. The words are: I'm singing a song of my homeland Most wonderful place that I've seen. My song cannot fully describe it I call it land of my dreams. New Mexico, Land of the sun Where yucca blooms The sunset sighs. New Mexico, Your starry nights, Your music sweet as daylight dies. My heart returns It ever yearns To hear the desert breezes blow, Your snow, your rain, your rainbows' blend, I'm proud of my New Mexico. (Translation) Yo canto de un pais lindo Mas bello no he visto yo, Mi cancion no puede decirlo, Como mi corazon. Nuevo Mexico, Pais del sol Palmillas floreciendo alli. Nuevo Mexico, Tus noches lindas Traen recuerdos para mi. Mi corazon Llora por ti me dice a mi Te quiero yo. Tus sierras y tus valles Son mi lindo Nuevo Mexico. B. A copy of the state bilingual song exhibited with this bill shall be filed with the secretary of state to be lodged in the archives of his office. Laws 1995, ch. 7, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-13 Statuary hall designation

12-3-13. Statuary hall designation Under the provisions of 40 U.S.C. Section 187, New Mexico designates Senator Dennis Chavez as an illustrious citizen of the state worthy of national commemoration and directs that a marble or bronze statue of his likeness be placed in national statuary hall in Washington. Laws 1963, ch. 64, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-14 Commission; funds

12-3-14. Commission; funds There is created the "statuary hall commission" consisting of the governor as chairman and four other citizens of the state appointed by the governor. The commission shall raise not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) by voluntary contributions and cause to be made a marble or bronze likeness of Dennis Chavez. When completed and accepted by the commission, the likeness shall be placed in national statuary hall. Laws 1963, ch. 64, § 2.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-15 [Statuary hall] commission created

12-3-15. [Statuary hall] commission created The "statuary hall commission" is created. The commission shall be composed of no more than nine persons, the chairman of which shall be the governor and the membership of which shall include the state treasurer, the state cultural affairs officer, the executive director of the New Mexico office of Indian affairs [Indian affairs department] and no fewer than four members appointed by the governor from a list of names that have been submitted to him by the Indian nations, tribes or pueblos in New Mexico, containing names of members of those Indian nations, tribes or pueblos who would be appropriate to serve on the commission. Terms of the members shall extend until a second statue from New Mexico is emplaced in the national statuary hall in Washington, D.C. The governor shall fill any vacancy on the statuary hall commission within three months from the date that the vacancy occurs in the same manner as original members were appointed. Laws 1997, ch. 177, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-16 Duties

12-3-16. Duties The statuary hall commission shall: A. meet at the call of the governor but shall meet no fewer than four times per year; B. determine the process necessary for New Mexico to have a second statue placed in the national statuary hall; C. develop procedures for the funding of the second statue and raise funds to commission the design, creation and transport of a statue to be placed in the national statuary hall through the creation of a foundation for the acceptance of gifts, donations, bequests and proceeds from appropriate fundraising events in accordance with the provisions of the act of July 2, 1864 (40 U.S.C. 187); and D. commission the design and creation of a statue of the illustrious San Juan pueblo Indian strategist and warrior Pope, who was renowned, respected and revered by the Native Americans of New Mexico as the leader of the pueblo revolt of 1680 and who would be the second Native American to be honored with placement of a statue in the national statuary hall. Laws 1997, ch. 177, § 2.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-17 Official balloon museum

12-3-17. Official balloon museum The Anderson-Abruzzo international balloon museum is the official balloon museum of New Mexico. Laws 1999, ch. 2, § 1 and 1999, ch. 3, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-18 Official state guitar

12-3-18. Official state guitar The New Mexico sunrise guitar is adopted as the official guitar of New Mexico. Laws 2009, ch. 27, § 1.

NMSA 1978, § 12-3-19 State cowboy song

12-3-19. State cowboy song The words and music of "Under New Mexico Skies", written by Syd Masters, are declared to be the official state cowboy song. The words of the state cowboy song are as follows: "(first verse) Where the Piñon Mesa rolls And the campfire cures your woes Watchin' the sly roadrunner flee On the tail of an autumn breeze I'm leanin' against a juniper bole As the creek water takes a stroll (chorus) That's where you'll find me Where the big back country lies There the cowboy's free to ride Out under New Mexico skies (second verse) Where the lean jack hops along And the coyote sings his song Up high the rocky spires shade The sunny desert days I'm leanin' against adobe walls of old Their stories to be told (chorus) That's where you'll find me Where the big back country lies There the cowboy's free to ride Out under New Mexico skies (third verse) Just me and a covey of gamblin' quail Lopin' down the Turquoise Trail (chorus) That's where you'll find me Where the big back country lies There the cowboy's free to ride Out under New Mexico skies." Laws 2009, ch. 28, § 1.

Source: New Mexico Compilation Commission (nmonesource.com)URL: https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa-unanno/en/item/18512/index.doFetched: 10/20/2026