The City of Bellingham will host a flag-raising ceremony for the newly adopted Bellingham Flag at noon on Wednesday, June 14 at the City Hall Flag Plaza, 210 Lottie St. The flag, designed by local graphic artist Brad Lockhart, was officially adopted by the City Council on April 24. The resolution to adopt the Flag passed unanimously 6-0, with Council Member Dan Hammill excused as he was out of the country.
When City Councilmember Pinky Vargas introduced the resolution, she chose the date June 14 because Flag Day is celebrated across the United States.
"A strong symbol, like our new flag, creates civic pride and a sense of place for all our residents and visitors," said Councilmember Vargas. "Bellingham is a city of vibrant people and our city image should reflect that. The Flag is beautiful, just like Bellingham!"
Brad Lockhart will be present to help raise the Flag.
"I designed this flag so that everyone who loves Bellingham and cares about this city will have a new, modern, visual identity," said Lockhart. His design won First Place in a flag contest hosted by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership in 2015.
Council President Michael Lilliquist expressed enthusiasm for the Council's final vote.
"For me, the best part of this story is that the design was already Bellingham's unofficial flag. The City Council is simply joining the movement. People have told me they love the colors and the symbolism. And, it looks great as a sticker on the back of my car!"
Following the Flag Ceremony, City of Bellingham staff and the public are welcome to join the City Council and Hearing Examiner for an Open House to unveil their new offices on the second floor of City Hall, down the hall from the Mayor's Office. Light refreshments will be served.
