TLDR: Boston's current flag is a design nightmare and the city is missing out on the sense of unity, pride, and recognition that comes with a beautifully designed municipal flag.

A beautiful city flag, if done well, can be an incredible source of pride for that city's inhabitants. City flags such as those that represent Chicago, Amsterdam, Toronto, Hong Kong, and Portland represent the highest standard in flag design and demonstrate the success that a city flag can have and how wholeheartedly it can be embraced by its community. Citizens of cities that have put care and thought into designing their flag proudly fly, wear, and interact with their city symbol, often integrating the design elements into their own artwork.

Unfortunately, Boston's flag is left out of this conversation. It lacks basic design merit and fails to stand out from the literally thousands of blue flags with a seal in the middle. Furthermore, it does nothing to connect with the Bostonian, making no reference to the nearly 400 years of the city's history or, just as importantly, to what the city stands for today and will stand for in the future. Boston is perhaps the most historic city in the United States, and boasts a vibrant and diverse population, none of which is properly paid tribute to in our flag. Boston is a world-class city. And as a world-class city it deserves a world-class flag.

Attempts have been made by both flag and Boston enthusiasts to redesign the flag, but change cannot be made until the general public becomes aware of what a missed opportunity to express pride in their city our flag is. Join us in our journey toward a flag and a design language that Bostonians can be proud of.