WACO, Texas — After over three decades, the City of Waco has adopted a new flag design, bidding farewell to the iconic suspension bridge emblem that has symbolized the city since 1985.
The decision was announced by the Waco City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 20, unveiling a design that incorporates some of the city's most recognizable features while flowing principles of good flag design.
The original flag, designed by Mr. Gwen Steward, served the city well for more than 30 years. Steward, the original department chair of the Texas State Technical Institute Commercial Arts & Advertising Program, crafted the emblematic suspension bridge design, which was selected in November 1985 from hundreds of entries.
However, as discussions surrounding state flag designs gained momentum in 2015, many governments began to reconsider their flags, moving away from intricate imagery towards simpler, bolder symbolism.
According to the North American Vexillological Association, good flag design emphasizes simplicity and basic colors.
The new flag for the City of Waco incorporates elements such as the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, symbolized by blue lines, and the Flying W logo, all while integrating the city's trademark blue hues. Despite the recommendation against lettering on flags, the Flying W transcends text, serving as a symbol of Waco's identity.
"We're excited to proudly wave the new City of Waco flag in our community for years to come," expressed city officials on Instagram.