About the People's Flag of Milwaukee
Its beauty is in its simplicity.
“Sunrise Over the Lake,” commonly known as the People’s Flag of Milwaukee, is like a bright dose of optimism for a city that’s seen its share of challenges over the years.
The sun rising over Lake Michigan is meant to symbolize a new day. A trio of light blue bars represent the city’s three rivers (Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic) as well as its three founding towns (Juneau Town, Kilbourn Town and Walker’s Point), and the gold honors our brewing history.
The flag, designed by Robert Lenz, was the winner of a 2016 contest and led to years of exhaustive debate at Milwaukee City Hall. The discussion got pretty heated at times, and harsh words were said — especially about Milwaukee’s official flag, which is packed with a range of images including the old County Stadium, a giant stalk of wheat and a ship. (Yes, some called the official flag a “hot mess.”)
The official flag, which was designed in the 1950s, has its own retro charm. But as the People’s Flag has cropped up on everything from bicycles to beer bottles, there’s just something undeniably cheerful about it.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: About the People's Flag of Milwaukee
