St. Marys, Pennsylvania (U.S.) (original) (raw)
St. Marys votes in city flag for 175th anniversary
The St. Marys City council voted in its first city flag Monday, in commemoration of its 175th anniversary which will be celebrated this year. The design was created by volunteers Stephen Bagley and Martin Dornisch, with feedback from the office and staff of the City of St. Marys. Bagley, co-chair of the 175th anniversary parade, presented the design to the council Monday. "The symbols therein, were designed to be a memorial to the legacy of our local life and culture. Its timeless design reflects our historical roots, such that it could always have been, and can always be, a lasting symbol of St. Marys," Bagley said.
The founding of St. Marys, which occurred on Dec. 8, 1842, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, will be celebrated this year with a large parade at 11 a.m. Saturday Sept. 16 of the annual Bavarian Fall Fest (which runs from Sept. 15-17).
During discussion of the flag, Councilman Ned Jacob, the lone vote dissenting its design, said it was "too busy." Other councilmen, like Greg Gebauer, thanked Bagley and Dornisch for their hard work on the project. Gabbier said, "I think this is an absolute outstanding thing. I never realized we didn't have a city flag...I also appreciate the fact that you kept the religious heritage of our community on this flag. With everything going on in our world and our country I think that is a big thing." Bagley recommended the flag be raised and honored at a ceremony at City Hall before or after the Bavarian Fall Fest so that its significance isn't overshadowed. This will be discussed and decided at a later time.
What is the symbolism in the flag?
Blue quarter fields represent the blue field of the Pennsylvania flag, as well as the blue union of Old Glory.
Diamond checkered quarter fields are from the flag of Bavaria, fatherland of the city's founders and symbol of its origin.
Rampant woodland elk symbolize the city's citizenship in Elk County, and represents the untamed wilderness its forefathers encountered and endured upon arrival.
Wheat and hops represent the community's rich German brewing legacy.
The Keystone is a historical symbol of Pennsylvania, known as "the Keystone State."
The Crown is a symbol of St. Mary, queen of Heaven and Earth.
1842 - The year St. Marys (Marienstadt) was founded.
Center symbol - The historical symbol of the city's patroness, St. Mary, which is the community's namesake.
The red color completes a patriotic color scheme representing the city's citizenship in the Nation.
Rob Raeside, 23 August 2017