The First Light Flag

What is your connection to Syracuse?

I’m an eighth-generation Syracusan born and raised in the Valley neighborhood of Syracuse. I'm a graduate of Corcoran High School, Onondaga Community College, and Syracuse University (Class of 2010).

What does your flag represent? Describe why you chose your colors, shapes, arrangement of features, etc.

For a much more extensive and detailed explanation of the symbolism behind the First Light flag, please visit the artist’s First Light flag homepage at firstlightflag.com. 

Explore even more First Light flag content on Instagram at instagram.com/firstlightflag_syr/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088489165829

The First Light flag represents our land, our people, our hopes, and our dreams. The six-pointed star symbolizes the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee and the six historical names by which Syracuse has officially been known. The triangles represent the hills of Onondaga and the Onondaga Valley. The orange color symbolizes the sun and restoration. The azure blue color symbolizes Onondaga Lake and perseverance. The navy blue color symbolizes the hills of Onondaga and industriousness. The white color symbolizes salt, snow, and peace.

Any additional comments on your flag design?

First Light Flag Credo:

Dawn’s first light pours over Syracuse, reflecting the hills and valley of Onondaga onto its gleaming lake.

Syracuse: “Where the vale of Onondaga meets the Eastern sky”.

We look toward the sun and offer appreciation to the Keepers of the Central Fire and the Six Nations, here since time immemorial.

We salute the sun’s strength and are grateful that it could pull salt from our springs. We feel the sun’s warmth and are filled with resolve to weather our long, white winters. We trace the sun’s arc across the sky and choose for ourselves a new, radiant path. Hearts energized, bodies warmed, minds steeled. 

We propel ourselves together, ever upward, Syracusans.