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Des Moines, Iowa (U.S.)

image by António Martins-Tuválkin, 23 May 2004

Description of the flag

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Description of the flag

The city flag is composed of a red vertical stripe 1/3 width of the flag, and the following 2/3rds a blue background, on which are placed 3 white "bridges" horizontally. The flag was retired after the products of the production run had all been worn out in the 1990's.
"Blue VanGogh", 6 June 2002

These are the bridges that span the Des Moines River in the downtown area.
David C. Fowler, 14 June 2002

In March of 1974 the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a citywide, all-eligible contest that attracted 383 entries. The winning design, by Walter T. (Bud) Proctor, was adopted by the City Council in April 15, 1974. The flag consists of a red portion at the hoist with the balance of the flag featuring a blue background signifying water, and three white bridges, representing the Walnut, Locust, and Grand bridges in downtown Des Moines. The flag was first raised at City Hall on March 31, 1975. The flag still flies every day at the Des Moines City Hall and at many city facilities across the metro area. It may be flown anywhere the American flag is flown, on the same pole, but must be smaller than the American flag. The flag uses the same shades of red and blue as the U.S. flag.
Source: www.ci.des-moines.ia.us/departments/ac/information/walter_proctor.htm
António Martins-Tuválkin, 24 May 2004