History of the Cedar Rapids Flag
2021+
In 2019 the City of Cedar Rapids began public outreach asking residents to submit design ideas, colors, shapes and symbols for a new flag. The goal was to create a flag that reflects the city and incorporates citizen input and ideas. The city put the project on hold because of the pandemic and derecho.
After the public input process that launched the project, local volunteer graphic designers helped take the public input and create several possible designs. Members of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) provided two rounds of ratings, comments and suggestions on the submitted designs. A local committee used NAVA feedback and resident input to select four final designs.
The City of Cedar Rapids invited Cedar Rapids residents to help pick a new city flag by ranking their favorite of four designs throughout the month of August 2021. The top choice selected by residents became the new Cedar Rapids city flag. The winning flag was unveiled at a public ceremony on September 18, 2021.
1962–September 2021
An earlier Cedar Rapids City flag was chosen in 1962. A design contest was held among Cedar Rapids high schools. The winning design was created by Fred Easker Jr. The following meanings were attached to the design:
Veterans Memorial Coliseum: Symbolizes Cedar Rapids as a progressive city
Church: Represents the numerous churches in the city
Corn Stalks: Agriculture
Factory: Symbolizes area industry
Early Structure: Symbolizes the first mill built in 1842
Unfinished Building with Girders Showing:Cedar Rapids’ promising future
Red, White and Blue: The colors of the Iowa state flag and the American flag
Ribbon Containing Slogan: Symbolizes the Cedar River
Source 1 | Source 2
