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Official 9/11 Memorial Flag

By Ray Hu - September 7, 2011

in Graphic Design

Yesterday, in anticipation of statewide "New York Remembers" events, Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled the official 9/11 Memorial Flag, "a long-lasting symbol of our respect for those who were lost on September 11th and our resilience in the face of tragedy."

The symbols on the flag evoke what was lost on September 11th and what still endures. The 40 yellow stars represent the fatalities from United Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The five-sided figures represent the Pentagon, where 125 people died. At the center of the flag are the Twin Towers, where the greatest loss of life occurred that day.

Sunday, of course, marks the tenth anniversary of the day that has come to define the current era of U.S. politics. The flag will be flown at the State Capitol in Albany and the memorial at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.

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RD

10 years ago

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I think the flag is correct. It focuses on, and reminds us of what happened and where it happened. It doesn't glorify terrorism in way, shape, or form. It is a way to honor the victims and they're families by keeping them in our minds and our hearts. A way to, symbolically, say that we will never forget what happened and who it happened to. To, symbolically, say to any group of terrorists: "We know you are out there and will not tolerate terrorism within our shores."
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Kenneth W.Wixon

13 years ago

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Apparently, those who have posted earlier, are the ones, in this younger generation that don't want to work, they have time to comment on how things should be. Don't be the problem, solve the problem. Serve your country, as I have. The old saying, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say nothing at all. One last word before I sign off, the more you say, the less people remember.
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mary

13 years ago

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Since when does any flag denoting an american tragedy NOT include RED white and blue. This NY flag is no american flag. Blue and White and yellow are not the colors of the USA and its ugly.

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J

13 years ago

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listen to mr. PBR talk about hipsters.. iron knee...
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PBRplease

13 years ago

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seems like every bitter pompus hipster has something bad to say about this design. i think its perfect in its simplicity, not everyone has time to over analyze a flag to pick up hidden symbolism. i suppose you guys would love to redesign old glory and add swirls and a graffiti-like mural or something.
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powers

13 years ago

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A flag to memorialize a terrorist attack. Oh, America.
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Ray Jepson

13 years ago

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I don't think it looks like a school student design, just a design by committee. "Towers check, what we do about the Pentagon? Oh, let's add that. Oh yeah, the plane in PA? Let's add that." No focus.

I agree with Tom, the tribute in light is the kind of inspired work that really helps remember the loss. This thing will go into a drawer and never been seen or talked about again.
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Paul Clark

13 years ago

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I applaud the idea, but the execution leaves an awful lot to be desired. Given the incredible talent available this is just lazy, and dare I say it bad design, they deserve better.

It looks like it was designed by a school student
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Tom

13 years ago

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Agreed, while the intentions are in the right place, I think the good old stars & stripes at half-mast is the most respectful as far as flags go.

And the Tribute in Light is such a beautiful, iconic memorial that it makes this flag look like a gimmick.
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zachh

13 years ago

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Graphic composition aside, it seems like a strange decision to visually call out those 40 lives lost as separate and distinct from all who perished that day.

The symbolism within the design seems almost like a reaction to the presses (and the nation's) focus and obsession on NYC and the World Trade Towers.

The intentions are good; however, I would have preferred a design which better captures the national (arguably international) tragedy that was 911 and not simply the places which this tragedy occurred.

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