§ 2-8. Official Flag of Metairie and Metairie Ridge.

(a)

Banner recognition. The flag described in this section is hereby named as the official flag of Metairie and Metairie Ridge and shall be so recognized.

(b)

Blazon. Per bend sinister Azure and Gules, a bendlet sinister Argent between three fleurs- and as many coeurs-de-lis Or.

(c)

Common description. A flag with field equally divided, from the viewer's perspective, by a thin white stripe extending diagonally from the banner's lower left corner to its upper right corner; the upper left part of the field in blue, therein three (3) gold stylized lily flowers in trinity formation, i.e. two (2) side-by-side with one (1) centered thereunder; and the lower right part of the field in red similarly charged with three (3) gold stylized lily blossoms as seen from above, i.e. reversed tiercefeuille.

(d)

Visual representation.

(e)

Dimensions. The relative proportions of the official flag shall be: a hoist (height) to fly (width) ratio of three by five (3:5); bendlet sinister width to be approximately one tenth (1/10) the hoist; each fleur-de-lis height and each coeur-de-lis width approximately one quarter (1/4) the hoist; fleurs-de-lis centered in blue chief in an inverted equilateral triangle formation, juxtaposed by couers-de-lis similarly-situated in red base.

(f)

Tincture. The official shades of the colors red, white, and blue shall be as seen in the flag of the United States of America; and the official shade of the color gold shall be as seen at Mardi Gras during carnival season, specifically as adopted by Louisiana State University.

(g)

Symbolism.

(1)

Individually, the flag's constituent parts and component positions shall signify:

a.

Divisions of the field.

1.

Sinister base . The red coloring in the field's base shall represent natural liberty, enduring passion, and community pride as founding principles.

2.

Dexter chief . The blue coloring in the field's chief shall represent equal justice, divine loyalty, and personal responsibility as fundamental ideals.

b.

Ordinary.

1.

Bendlet sinister . The white color and thinness of the stripe set across the field shall represent limited government, transparent leadership, and shared peace; its diagonal placement shall represent parity between the field's parties, neither section dominant nor subservient to the other; and its upward inclination shall represent an aspirational trajectory.

c.

Charges.

1.

Coeurs-de-Lis. The respective hearts of the lily, each in gold and together arranged as a triad, shall represent in balanced harmony:

(i)

Faith and ardent affection;

(ii)

Opportunity and youthful energy; and

(iii)

Open-mindedness and innovation.

2.

Fleurs-de-Lis. The respective flowers of the lily, each in gold and together arranged as a triad, shall represent in balanced harmony:

(i)

Tradition and purity;

(ii)

Prosperity and achievement; and

(iii)

Generosity and wisdom.

d.

Marshalling. The divisions of the field complete with charges and tinctures shall respectively represent Metairie's lineage with:

1.

Orléans and Spain; and

2.

New Orleans and France.

(2)

Collectively, the heraldic symbolism and combined colors shall bestow a respectful nod to Metairie's diverse French-Spanish-American heritage and a sincere appreciation for the area's rich Louisiana history and New Orleans ancestry.

(h)

Motto . The official motto of the flag, as expressed through its symbolic imagery, shall be: "Ardentibus Cordibus Floremus" or, more simply, "With ardent hearts, we flourish."

(Ord. No. 25691 , § 1, 10-24-18)