3 finalists named in Dayton flag design competition

Designs submitted by Elizabeth Adams (Left), Larry Collins (Right), and Cecelia Freeman (bottom) | Contributed Photos/Dayton Daily News

Designs submitted by Elizabeth Adams (Left), Larry Collins (Right), and Cecelia Freeman (bottom) | Contributed Photos/Dayton Daily News

The City of Dayton has narrowed 312 submissions down to three finalists to create the new flag for the city, according to a report from our news partners at the Dayton Daily News.

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The designs were unveiled during the Dayton City Commission meeting Wednesday morning.

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Larry Collins submission. Explanation of flag design: “The ‘D’ shaped field of white is for Dayton, The color White for our hope for peace, Green is for our hope for growth, The descending slope suggests our geographic position in the Miami Valley, sky blue for the unbounded limits or our potential, the Wright flyer connects us to our past, and remains a testament to the fact that, from Dayton, your dreams can lift the course of humanity to the heavens!” (Contributed/Dayton Daily News)

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Submissions were accepted Oct. 1 to Dec. 9, and the flag design contest was open to everyone.

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The designs that have been selected as finalists were submitted by a software engineer, a resident with a background in graphic design, and an elementary student, the newspaper reports.

Community members will be asked to provide feedback on the final three. Residents can also share thoughts on what they like and what they would change about the designs.

Elizabeth Adams submission. Explanation of flag design: “The diamond in the middle stands for the Gem City. The blue makes me think of the Metroparks. The green makes me think of trees.” (Contributed Photo/Dayton Daily News)

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After the submission process ended, a steering committee reviewed all submissions and attached explanations that describe the inspirations for the designs, the paper reports.

Seven designs were sent from the committee to the city commission and mayor for consideration, with three finalists being chosen.

Cecelia Freeman submission. Explanation of flag design: “Dayton; a city of innovation, grit, unity in community, and a dynamic river system full of history which provides recreation and fun for all. This flag displays a river in white which also represents the highs and lows that Dayton has gone through and come out stronger.Soaring in the blue sky and above the lowest part of the river on the flag, the 10-point stars shine bright like gems as they rise with grit and resilience through the hardships. The 3-stars represent diversity- convey through size difference-and unity of community. The 10-points of the star bring an ode to the gears of innovation which take flight from the heart of Dayton.Strong in adversity, innovative with diversity and sky’s the limit as we reach for the stars and possibilities of what the future holds. This flag encapsulates the heart of Dayton and inspires each of us to work hard, build community, seek adventure, and fly the flag of Dayton proudly.” (Contributed Photo/Dayton Daily News)

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The city says if there is a clear finalist, that design will be chosen as the new flag for Dayton.

If the community ultimately decides on bits and pieces of the submissions, a graphic designer will work to mix them together into a single flag.

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