West Bend, WI – Maxim Zernia, a determined high school senior, has been on a mission to create a City flag for his community of West Bend, WI. Zernia’s journey began in spring of 2023, inspired by Port Washington’s public flag contest. Despite facing some initial setbacks, Zernia remained committed to his goal.
Zernia spent the summer of 2023 canvassing the neighborhood, collecting signatures from residents who supported the idea of a West Bend flag. “Not everyone liked the initial design,” said Zernia.
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He took the feedback to heart and made some adjustments.
Click HERE to learn about the symbolism of the flag
The idea of a City flag is not unique to West Bend, Wi. It was October 2022 when Port Washington middle schooler Ben Laurin wrote the mayor, Ted Neitzke, about his idea to adopt a City flag. Eventually, Laurin’s design, featuring the City’s historic lighthouse on a background of a rising yellow sun and the blue waters of Lake Michigan, became the new City flag in Port Washington.
-flagThat flag, and other memorabilia, are now for sale in Port Washington, WI.
Zernia is optimistic his persistence will pay off. He has presented his flag design several times before the West Bend common council.
So far, there has been no action by the council to adopt the city flag.
“No matter the outcome, I hope West Bend would embrace the idea of having its own flag,” said Zernia.
Click HERE to see the new website for the People’s flag of West Bend
If West Bend were to have a flag, the design should be representative of the area. This design does not really capture any obvious meaning. The Port Washington flag has obvious meaning.