Title
Authorizing a "Joint Task Force on City Flag Reform" to reexamine and recommend a process to reform the flag of the City of Philadelphia in line with vexillological conventions and an aim to promote Civic Pride.
Body
WHEREAS, The Flag of the City of Philadelphia was adopted by ordinance on March 27, 1895 and is the first municipal flag adopted by a City on this continent, and
WHEREAS, The design of the flag is codified under ? 21-103 of the City Code and mandates: "The flag shall be divided vertically in 3 equal parts, of which the first and third shall be azure blue and the middle pale golden yellow. Upon the later shall be blazoned the City arms, as upon the City seal;" and
WHEREAS, Experts in modern vexillology and aesthetics have rightfully criticized flag designs with color backgrounds and seals over top as having no design philosophy, inspiration, or taste; and
WHEREAS, All great flags, municipal, state, or national are comprised of four key components, none to which the flag of the City of Philadelphia adheres. They are: (1) simple, such that a child or an adult untrained in artistry could draw from memory; (2) distinct at a distinct, as flags are not wallpaper, money, or a poster, it must be recognizable from a distance as it will fly a great distance away from the observer; (3) it must contain three colors or fewer, unless there are special design and aesthetic exceptions which warrant more; (4) it must contain symbols or other symbolic meanings which fit the design aesthetic and represent the history and the pride of the people reside there; and
WHEREAS, The current flag as codified in Title 21 lack on all four components listed in the preceding paragraph, and accordingly, should be updated, revised, or abandoned; and
WHEREAS, The ideal municipal flag should have represent the diverse and varied history of the City of Philadelphia and its important role historically for all people who have lived on this land, beginning with American Ind...
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