MARCH 29, 2026 — The City of Brunswick, Maryland, is moving toward the formal adoption of a new flag, featuring a revised version of the contest-winning “Heritage with a View” design.
During a council meeting on March 24, a resolution was introduced to adopt the banner, which now incorporates aesthetic modifications requested by officials following a period of public feedback.
The primary refinement involves the colour of the seven stars encircling the flag’s central imagery. While the original proposal by resident Scott McLean featured grey stars, the updated version presented for legislative approval has transitioned these elements to red and yellow.
This change followed a February 10 council session where members discussed resident responses from an online poll. Although some officials initially suggested delaying the process for a referendum in August, the council ultimately voted 5-0 to have the designer implement these “small changes” before returning the design for a final vote.
The redesign process began in April 2025 as a community-led effort to find a symbol emphasizing unity and inclusivity. According to official contest guidelines, the municipal government sought an original design that would provide an “inclusive representation for all city residents.”
Following a judicial review of several submissions, three finalists were put to a community vote in late June. McLean’s design emerged as the clear frontrunner, securing 237 of the 349 total votes cast, significantly outperforming two alternative proposals and a “no change” option.
The symbolism of the proposed flag remains focused on Brunswick’s industrial and natural landscape. The central imagery features a restored control tower as a “nod to our railroad heritage,” overlooking the Potomac River and the C&O Canal. The scene also includes a Paw-Paw branch and a sunset over the valley, referencing the town’s original name, “Merry Peep O’ Day.”
The seven stars represent Maryland’s historical status as the seventh state to join the Union.
Image: City of Brunswick, Maryland, City of Brunswick, Maryland
