Montgomery Adopted New City Flag Design

The city officially replaced its 1952 flag design to remove references to the Confederacy.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing an abstract geometric flag design with gold stars and ribbon motifs, symbolizing civic identity. — Montgomery officials officially raised a new city flag, replacing a 1952 design that included imagery associated with the Confederacy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Montgomery officials raised a new city flag featuring nine gold stars, a blue ribbon, and olive branches on red and white panels. The transition replaces a 1952 design that included 11 stars and a stripe resembling the Confederate battle flag.

Why it matters

The change follows a petition campaign led by students through the Youth In City program who sought to remove official city symbols associated with the Confederacy.

The city council approved the new design, which features nine gold stars and red and white panels. This replaces the 1952 version that incorporated gray tones and imagery reflective of Confederate uniforms.

The players

Joshua Gordon

He is the designer responsible for creating the new city flag for Montgomery.

Jeremiah Treec

He published the original petition on Change.org that initiated the movement to change the city flag.

Montgomery Police Department

This local agency may potentially replace its current uniform patches and badges to reflect the new flag design.

The details

The design update was finalized following a petition on Change.org by Jeremiah Treec and subsequent efforts by local students. Designer Joshua Gordon created the new emblem to represent the city's current identity.

The previous city flag design was adopted in 1952.
The city held the official flag retirement ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the design change have historically raised concerns about preserving local heritage and historical aesthetics. Critics argue that removing symbols like the 1952 flag erases cultural markers that have been part of the city for over seven decades.

Residents can expect the new flag to be displayed at city facilities as the old design is phased out. The transition may also lead to visible updates on official city gear and potentially police department uniforms.

The takeaway

The transition represents a significant shift in how the city displays its official identity to its 200,000 residents. The initiative highlights the power of student-led advocacy in influencing municipal policy.