Trying to pull the community together
What to know about the first ‘Pueblo Flag Day’
Figuratively and literally, the flags of France, Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas and the United States have flown over what is today known as Pueblo.
However, the upcoming “Pueblo Flag Day” will celebrate a lesser-known banner flying above the Steel City. The City of Pueblo’s flag is light blue with white letters and a multi-colored sun. Pueblo City Council declared March 22, 2024, the inaugural Pueblo Flag Day during a March 11 meeting.
The declaration follows efforts by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Leadership Pueblo class to “take control of Pueblo’s image” by encouraging local businesses to fly the flag or display a flag decal at their locations, according to a Leadership Pueblo letter to community members.
“One of the ways we are trying to get solidarity throughout the community is to bring something tangible that’s going to pull us all together,” 2023 Leadership Pueblo class member Russ Drury told the Chieftain. “We thought the Pueblo flag would be the item to do that.”
Sarah Mize, president of the 2023 Leadership Pueblo class, told the Chieftain that local businesses are making a “powerful statement of pride, unity and support of Pueblo” by flying its flag.
“It signifies our commitment to celebrate our history and our culture, as well as what Pueblo truly is — a tightknit community of hardworking people, businesses, services and resources that take care of each other, love each other and want what’s best for our city.”
Leadership Pueblo’s efforts to promote the display of the Pueblo flag led to over 27 local businesses and organizations proudly displaying the flag by June 8, 2023. CS Wind, Pass Key and the Pueblo Police Department were among those that did so.
Signs by Scott, 123 W. 4th St., continues to sell double- and single-sided flags in addition to small yard signs, Mize said. Print Pros at 2117 E. Evans Ave. and Embroidery Plus at 501 West St., can supply stickers as well as flags. Pride City Awning and Canvas, 1127 W. 17th St., also has Pueblo flags in stock.
March 22 was chosen by members of Leadership Pueblo to be the date of Pueblo Flag Day due to its connection to Pueblo’s founding. March 22, 1870, was the date that the small southern Colorado town along the Arkansas River was incorporated.
Pueblo residents can celebrate the first Pueblo Flag Day on March 22 not only by raising the Pueblo flag or displaying a decal, but also by attending the Pueblo Flag Day celebration event at the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, 302 N. Santa Fe Ave., at 10 a.m.