Morristown Unveils Winning Flag As Town's New Symbol

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A new flag celebrating the history of Morristown is now flying over the town.

Max Bellamente, a senior at Morristown High School who came up with the idea for the flag contest last fall, unveiled the official winning design at the June 13 council meeting, just in time for Flag Day.

According to Bellamente, the flag, which is called "Two Winters," was designed to pay tribute to George Washington's winter encampments in Morristown during the Revolutionary War, with each star on the flag representing an encampment.

"Washington's profile is a big nod to our town's revolutionary past, and the colors of the flag represent Morristown's fundamental role in the founding of our nation," Bellamente said.

Bellamente presented the council with the flag, which will fly in Town Hall.

Bellamente stated at the meeting that he is still in the process of ordering more copies of the flag, but they will eventually be placed on town buildings and other public spaces.

"This flag will serve not only as an emblem of our unity in Morristown, but it will also be an encapsulation of this council and this administration's dedication to our town and community," Bellamente said.

Last fall, Bellamente approached the Morristown Council with the idea after being inspired by the pride Madison Borough has in its town flag.

Bellamente stated that he wanted to find a way to give back to the community before leaving Morristown after graduation. He spent months working on the official plan, which he presented to the council at its February meeting.

A committee comprised of Bellamente, Morristown Council President Sandi Mayer, Morristown Library Director Chad Leinaweaver, and flag salesman Joe Pugliese was selected to review all submissions and select three that best represented Morristown's core values.

Following the unveiling, members of the council praised Bellamente for his dedication and hard work on this community project.

"As mayor, I recognize Max for his hard work, which has resulted in a meaningful and recognizable flag that the Town of Morristown can be proud of," Mayor Tim Dougherty said.

This marks the second official flag design contest held in Morristown.

Officials said that Morristown held a flag design competition in 1972; however, the winning design was never adopted by the council and, as a result, never really took root in the community.