Decatur City Flag Design Contest

After reviewing more than 50 entries, the Decatur Flag Committee is excited to kick off the public voting period that will run through May 16. After the public voting period has ended, the votes will be counted and the results will be reviewed by the flag committee. Your input during this period will help guide the committee and Decatur City Council’s final decision. We appreciate your input.

Principles of good flag design include as outlined by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA):
• Simplicity: 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.
• 2-3 basic colors: Limit the number of colors on the flag to three that contrast well and come from the standard color set.
• No lettering or seals: Never use writing of any kind or an organization's seal.
• Distinctiveness: Avoid duplicating other flags but use similarities to show connections.
• Designs should strive for clarity and memorability, ensuring that the flag remains recognizable from a distance and stands out among others

Below you will find a picture of each flag that has made it to the final votes! Under each picture is a description of why that flag was designed in the way it was. After the 3 flags there will be an area for you to select your favorite.

1 vote per person.

Flag Option # 1 Description:
The blue, gold, and star are an homage to the state flag of Indiana. The green represents vibrancy and growth and is also symbolic of Decatur’s agricultural heritage. The blue stripe in the middle represents the St. Mary’s River, which runs through Decatur as a major natural landmark. The circle represents constancy and continuance, a vision for the ongoing success of Decatur. The three segment design represents the Three Sisters: corn, squash, and beans. These are the foods that sustained the indigenous peoples native to the area where Decatur now sits. The single star represents Decatur’s place as the county seat of Adams County.

Flag Option #2 Description:
The single star represents Decatur’s role as the county seat and largest Adams county municipality. Surrounding the star are olive branches, drawn from the legacy of Stephen Decatur and the USS Decatur’s motto, “In Pursuit of Peace.” These branches, along with relationship to the county courthouse Peace Monument, speak to Decatur’s enduring commitment to harmony and honor. Flanking the central emblem are three horizontal stripes, which represent the three U.S. highways that connect Decatur to the state and nation — a visual reminder of the city’s strategic importance and regional connectivity. Gold is drawn directly from the Indiana state flag, linking Decatur to its state heritage while evoking excellence, prosperity, and honor. Blue represents loyalty, stability, and tradition, while white symbolizes peace and a hopeful, bright future.

Flag Option #3 Description:
The star and the lime green symbolize the city of Decatur. The lime green is the same color used in the logo of Decatur and signage around the city. The vertical white line represents the historic Route 27 highway, and the diagonal white line represents the St. Mary’s River. In short, the imagery resembles the city of Decatur being at the intersection of both the river and highway, as seen from a map. The blue and yellow are influenced by the colors of the Indiana State flag, representing how Decatur is a part of Indiana. In addition, the blue represents the US Navy and Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr. who the city is named after.