Symbolizes the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee, of which the Onondaga Nation plays a central role. It symbolizes the six historical names by which Syracuse has been known: Salt Point, Webster’s Landing, Bogardus Corners, Milan, South Salina, and Cossits’ Corners (not incl. Corinth). It is the sun, a guiding light. Its central placement on the flag marks Syracuse’s central location in New York State. It’s a North Star, paying homage to the abolition movement in Syracuse.

Symbolizes the hills of Onondaga. The word onoñda’gega’ means, “people of the hills” in the Onondaga language. The left triangle is the hill westward toward Hiawatha Lake. The right triangle is the hill eastward toward Thornden Park. The space between the triangles is the Onondaga Valley.

Symbolizes the sunrise over the Onondaga Valley. This is described in a line from Syracuse University’s Alma Mater, ”…where the vale of Onondaga meets the Eastern sky.” Represents a new day, a bright future, and good fortunes ahead.

Symbolizes our history of using the sun to pull white salt from our salt springs. It also represents the sun warming us during our cold, white winters.

Symbolizes the Roman numeral “V” indicating the five Syracuse Common Council Districts. It also represents “The V-Sign,” international symbol for peace and friendship.

Symbolic of the city’s past, present and future. The left triangle points to the past. The central triangle points to the present. The right triangle points toward the future. It represents Syracuse across the ages. Syracuse: for now and forever.

When it’s all put together a new flag emerges, born from the things that make Syracuse what it is, what it has been, and what it will be.