The District...

I go to school in Washington, D.C. and I have always wondered about the symbolism behind the D.C. flag. Washington, D.C. is not a state, it is a district under the control of the federal government. Residents of D.C., not those like me who are just passing through, are very passionate about the fight for D.C. statehood. Their license plate has a picture of the flag and the statement "No Taxation Without Representation" a battle cry of early American Revolutionaries. They often use this phrase to describe their plight, as D.C. has no voting representation in Congress. The debate is heated, just last year the mayor was arrested for protesting outside Congress. Throughout all the debate and passion, the D.C. flag remains a strong symbol for residents.

The D.C. flag is based on the design for George Washington's family coat of arms. George Washington picked the location for the capitol city. Not only is D.C. named after George Washington but his influence and reference to him can be seen throughout the city. It makes complete sense that D.C. would chose to also honor George Washington in it's flag, as George Washington was the founder of the city and a fierce fighter for independence.

George Washington Family Coat of Arms