Several months ago, I issued a call to arms. Or at least a call to Photoshop.

Tired of living under what flag experts call an S.O.B (seal on a bedsheet) I asked readers to submit designs for a bolder, simpler, more recognizable state flag that New Jerseyans could be proud of.

They were doing it in New Zealand, I figured. Cities across the country are considering it. New Jersey needs to be part of this vexillological awakening.

I am clearly not alone in my thinking.

After my call for submissions to our new NJ flag challenge, readers submitted almost 400 flags.

The top ten were chosen by a panel of judges. Then NJ.com readers voted for the best.

Today, Flag Day, we crown the winner: a red white and blue Revolutionary War inspired design by Andrew Maris of Fair Haven.

I met Maris, 19, last week to present a full-size version of his design, which was produced by Annin Flagmakers of Roseland, the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the U.S. (Company president Bob Caggiano also served as one of the judges in the flag challenge)

Here's the video. Watch as Maris describes the origin of design and the historical significance behind it. It's bold and simple. But there's more there than meets the eye - which is what makes a great flag. Maris has also launched his own web site to garner support for a new NJ flag.

And if you're wondering why this took so long? The flag was done in February. But I was waiting for Maris to come home from Minnesota, where he just finished his freshman year at Carleton College, so I could present it in person.

What do you think of Andrew's Flag? Let us know in the comments below. And while our challenge is officially over, this process is not. I'd still love to see more ideas and more designs.

And more importantly, can we get a brave legislator to adopt this cause and help us begin the process of adopting a better state flag?

Brian Donohue may be reached at bdonohue@njadvancemedia.com Follow him on Twitter @briandonohue. Find NJ.com on Facebook.