Celebrate Flag Day
Celebrate the birthday of Philadelphia's Civic Flag every March 27th!
 
TheSealofPhiladelphia The Seal of Philadelphia(1874)

The seal was adopted by City Council on Feb. 14, 1874. Its centerpiece is a shield displaying a ship under full sail at the bottom and a plow above.

The ship was the symbol of the Free Society of Traders, a London business organization that promoted the colony of Pennsylvania (and gave its name to Society Hill). The vessel also represents commerce. The plow is the symbol that WIlliam Penn assigned to Chester County. It is also a general heraldic symbol for agriculture, which was very important in the settlement and history of Pennsylvania.

Two Female figures flank the shield. The one on the left wears an olive garland and holds a scroll inscribed with an anchor. The garland signifies peace, and the anchor also signifies hope. The figure on the right holds a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance.

Above the shield appears a bent arm holding the scales of justice and mercy, and below is a macaronic phrase containing the greek and latin words Philadelphia Maneto - "Let Brotherly Love Continue". The words come from the New Testament - Hebrews 13:1 - and are said to have been uttered by the last of the Penns visiting Philadelphia in the 19th century.

The seal's blue and gold are the city's colors. Blue the color of the heavens, stands for aspiration. Gold signifies high worth.



Contact PFCP

» About

MARCH 27th, 1895 is the inception/Birthdate of The Philadelphia Flag, The 1st City Flag in America. Every year, on or around March 27, during the Philadelphia Flag Day Celebration, we recognize individuals who embody The Philadelphia Civic Flag's message ~ PHILADELPHIA MANETO (Let Brotherly Love Continue) through its symbols of Peace, Hope, Justice, and Prosperity.


At the public "citizens event" produced in their honor, The Award Winners are presented with the esteemed Philadelphia Maneto Award, which includes, an award plaque, an award Flag, and $2700.00 (per each of the 4 Awards) and the opportunity to help raise the anniversary Philadelphia Civic Flag on the majestic Flagpole as fellow citizens cheer them on! It's a FLAG-TASTIC event to showcase the Award Winner's worthy efforts to “Let Brotherly Love Continue" for Philadelphia with a hope of inspiring others to also live up to The Flag’s symbolism.


Due to the onslaught of COVID-19 we had to cancel Philly Flag Fest 2020 for the Citizens yet we attempted several alternative plans to still honor the amazing Hometown Awardees for embodying the message and symbols on our Philadelphia Civic Flag. After many reschedules we finally settled on “The Philly Flag Express” to deliver each Awardee their Plaque, Flag and $2700 acknowledgement in a social distanced way of course right to their neighborhood. Hopefully spreading some Philly Love along the way as they happen to represent South, West, North and Northeast Philly as well as the suburb of Penn Valley. We all know the suburbs consider themselves Philadelphians and our purpose is to unite.


This year we honor those who are doing their part to bring the temperature down in our City and who are living up to all the promise encoded in our Philly Flag.


» Criteria

The nominated individual's "brotherly love" actions have benefited the County of Philadelphia.


The nominated individuals are not required to live in Philadelphia County.


There is no age limit for nominated individuals.


The nominated individual may be living or deceased.


Previous nominations (for those who did not receive the award) may be resubmitted for consideration the following year.


» Participation

Nominations for the Philadelphia Maneto Awards will begin every  March 27th and accepted through December 31st.    


» Nomination Form

The nomination form for the  Philadelphia Maneto Awards is here.