When Illinois formally launched the process of selecting a new state flag, soliciting design submissions from the public, it gave Illinoisans a rare opportunity to shape the visual and symbolic identity of their whole state. We can use that power to choose a flag that reconnects with our rich heritage and embrace a timeless design that embodies unity and history.

Rather than starting from scratch, the Illinois Flag Commission should look no further than Wallace Rice’s 1918 Centennial flag. Rice, best known for designing the iconic Chicago flag, created a masterpiece for Illinois’s centennial celebration that remains as aesthetically excellent and symbolically powerful today as it was a century ago. It deserves serious consideration as our next state flag.

The Centennial flag’s field consists of three horizontal bands of white, blue, and white. Emblazoned on the flag is a large white star, flanked on each side by 10 smaller blue stars. The 21 stars signify Illinois’s entry into the Union as the 21st state, with Illinois itself represented by the largest star. The other 20 stars, split evenly on either side, represent the 10 Northern and 10 Southern states at the time of Illinois’s admission. The result is a visually striking balance of simplicity and symmetry tailor-made for use across multiple formats.

The case for the Centennial flag is about more than aesthetics, however. When it became the newest state of an increasingly divided country, Illinois represented a symbolic bridge across the sectional divide, as well as a prayer for a more united future. A century later, the Centennial flag was unveiled as a visual encapsulation of that same dream. The arrangement of the stars, with Illinois as the central bridge between the Northern and Southern states, speaks to the state’s historic role as a unifier in a divided nation. In today’s polarized political environment, this symbolism carries new meaning. Adopting such a flag as our state’s symbol would send a message of unity and shared purpose — not just for Illinois, but for all Americans.

I humbly submit that the Centennial flag, with its elegant simplicity and unifying message, is the ideal candidate, and would ensure that Illinois is represented by a universally recognizable symbol that captures its unique place in the nation’s history.

John C. Engle, Logan Square

Showcase all of Chicago in next marathon

On Sunday, the Chicago Marathon was held and in the next morning’s papers, I read nothing but kudos for our town for the great handling of such a world-renowned annual event.

But I do find myself pondering: Why is the route always the same, with very little variance? City leaders are always looking for ways to bring more attention and activities to the neighborhoods. Why not route the course through them — Beverly (actual hills — oh my gosh!), Englewood/Washington Park (past the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, up and down elegant Garfield Boulevard), through Logan Boulevard and environs northwest, etc.

What a magnificent travelogue for Chicago the televised marathon would present! I sincerely wish those in charge would look beyond the lakefront to all the beauty the city offers.

Dennis Allen, Wilmette

Blame cyclists, not drivers

Why are we having deaths and accidents with cars vs. cyclists and what can we do to help prevent some of them?

Here’s part of the problem: As we have all seen, most cyclists think they can do whatever they want when riding on the streets of Chicago.

Those of us who drive have seen very few cyclists stopping at stop signs and red lights. They ride between cars and don’t stop when crossing alleys. When something terrible happens, they look at the person driving the car.

When was the last time you saw a cyclist getting a ticket?

We have rules of the road. If cyclists were issued tickets for not obeying these rules, I’m sure we would have fewer deaths and accidents.

Dan Goodwin, Humbolt Park

Chicago Teachers Union should release audits

The Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates recently voted “no confidence” in Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, which triggered the resignation of the entire CPS board and the naming of new board members by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Now the stage is set to green-light CTU’s contract demands for higher salaries and staffing increases that will force Chicago’s taxpayers to take the resulting financial hit.

Yet the CTU has brazenly refused to share with its own members its financial audits from 2020 to 2024, and has been sued by some of these members to release these audits. CTU members are entitled to know how their dues are being spent and who is on the CTU’s payroll. I would go further and claim that taxpayers, who are the ultimate funding source for teacher salaries and the union dues deducted from them, also have a similar right to know what the CTU is doing with its money. Until CTU comes clean, its members and Chicago’s taxpayers alike should declare “no confidence” in CTU.

John H. Flannigan, Albany Park

Don’t depend on Social Security

I can fully understand the angst many individuals feel about inadequate Social Security cost of living increases.

However, Social Security has some problems which the public does not fully understand. The payroll tax is regressive and benefits are not intended to fully fund an individual’s retirement. The original purpose was to alleviate poverty.

My advice to young people: Do not depend on Social Security. View it as supplementary income. Buy a piece of property and build some equity instead of paying rent. Get a good job that has a defined benefit pension plan. Notice how Boeing union workers are insisting on a defined benefit pension plan that, unlike a 401(k), will pay benefits for the rest of your life. Later, invest in bonds, stocks and diversified portfolios, which have proved to be financially lucrative.

Such decisions will enhance your financial future with little dependence on Social Security.

Larry Vigon, Jefferson Park