Over the years, ideas for a fifth star have been voiced, but none have ever come to fruition. The first recommendation came during the 1940's to celebrate Chicago's coming into the nuclear age. Other recommendations include one for Harold Washington, the first black Mayor of Chicago, or another for the Great Flood of 1992. A fifth star would have been a certainty had Chicago secured its bid for the 2016 Olympic Summer games. Unfortunately, as we all know, those plans were abandoned when we were beat by Rio de Janeiro.
2nd Best of Flag of all American Cities
The North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), a 450-person organization that is apparently dedicated to Vexillology, the scientific study of flags, held a public survey to decide which American cities boasted the best flags and which cities had the worst. Flags were judged on five criteria:
- Keep it simple (the flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory)
- Use meaningful symbolism (the flag's images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes)
- Use basic colors (limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set)
- No lettering or seals (never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal)
- Be distinctive or be related (avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections).
On October 2, 2004, NAVA published the results of its survey. Out of a total possible score of 10, the Chicago Flag earned 9.03 points and came in second place. The flag flying above the streets of Washington, D.C. took top honors (9.17 points).
Sources:
Bowers, C. & Barr, J. (1973). Here is Chicago. Chicago, IL: University Pub. Co.
History of the Chicago Flag. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Chicago
North American Vexillological Association. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 3, 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Vexillological_Association