PHILADELPHIA – City of Philadelphia officials and Partners for Civic Pride hosted a celebration of the Philadelphia Civic Flag today outside the Municipal Services Building in Center City. Although Civic Flag Day officially takes place on March 27 annually, this year’s celebration was held early due to the Easter holiday.

The tribute was designed to recognize the 121^st birthday of Philadelphia’s azure blue and golden yellow civic flag by raising the flag over Thomas Paine Plaza at 15^th Street and JFK Boulevard. Free handheld flags were distributed to spectators to mark the occasion and to promote civic pride. The flag-raising event and salute was part of Partners for Civic Pride’s continuing efforts to keep the tradition and colors of the Philadelphia flag flying high in the public eye.

“The civic flag is an important part of the city’s identity,” said City Representative Sheila Hess. “Today, we are celebrating the flag’s 121^st birthday and recognizing it as a unifying symbol of pride for Philadelphia. As a life-long Philadelphian, I am extremely excited to work with Partners for Civic Pride on this observance to raise awareness and appreciation for one of our most important city symbols.”

City officials presented a ceremonial citation to Partners for Civic Pride, recognizing the organization’s ongoing educational efforts to promote civic pride and raise awareness about the deep history and meaning of Philadelphia’s flag.

Joining Hess for the festivities was Brenda Exon, the Executive Director of Partners for Civic Pride (PFCP) known as “The Philly Pride Lady,” co-founder of PFCP and program emcee Rob Stoller, First District City Councilman Mark Squilla, and the Frankford and Benjamin Franklin High School JROTC Color Guards (Army and Navy).

During the celebration, organizers highlighted the flag’s motto, Philadelphia Maneto, which means “Let Brotherly Love Continue.”

Local performer Tony Smith welcomed the crowd with his trumpet playing before North Philadelphia native Rose Hughes delivered the National Anthem. Elijah Pompey, of KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, kicked off the program as the “town crier,” enthusiastically presenting a call to citizens to have pride in our city flag. He was followed by Philly flag-theme chants led by the Frankford High School Army and Benjamin Franklin High School Navy JROTC Cadets.

At the event’s closing, a Philadelphia civic flag-raising was led by the program participants, including First District Councilman Mark Squilla and City Representative Sheila Hess. Trumpeter Tony Smith performed “Happy Birthday to the Philly Flag” as the flag ascended up the flagpole on Thomas Paine Plaza.

On March 27, 1895, an official Philadelphia Civic Flag was ordained by City Council. In 2005, City Council signed a resolution marking March 27^th as “Philadelphia Flag Day” to officially recognize the birth of the Philadelphia Civic Flag, and Partners for Civic Pride has led an annual celebration honoring this day each year since.

About Partners for Civic Pride

Partners for Civic Pride is a nonprofit organization committed to raising social capital in and around the City of Philadelphia. Partners for Civic Pride unites citizens through Philadelphia’s Civic Flag, celebrating its motto, Philadelphia Maneto, which means, “Let Brotherly Love Continue.” Learn more about Partners for Civic Pride at partnersforcivicpride.org.

About the Office of the City Representative

The Office of the City Representative organizes and facilitates special and ceremonial events for the City of Philadelphia while serving as its marketing, promotion, public relations and branding department. Connect with us on online by visiting alpha.phila.gov/departments/city-representative and following us on social media (@PhillyCityRep) to stay up to date with the latest information on our events.