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Benton County, Washington (U.S.)

image by Blas Delgado Ortiz, 3 January 2001

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BENTON COUNTY FLAG

CREST: The Eagle represents government by the people. The Lightening Bolts symbolize three forms of energy vital to Benton County: Solar energy vital to agriculture, hydroelectric energy from our rivers and dams, and Atomic energy created at Hanford.

SHIELD: The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima rivers are represented in the three sided shield. They were the focus for discovery and development of Benton County. Our future depends upon the waters of these rivers symbolized in Blue.

The center of the Shield is a Compass Rose symbolizing Direction and Purpose. The Bridge spans our heritage of the past with our potential for the future. Over the Bridoe, the Sun symbolizes unlimited energy.

The Four Quadrants bridge our pioneer heritage (a Teepee) to our achievements of today (the Atom). The Anchor symbolizes an economic history which began on the rivers. They forged a partnership between agriculture and technology. The Anchor also represents sports and recreation. The Compass and Square symbolize the industry of the past creating a path into the future.

The Cornerstones of our flag are represented by a Wheathead, Salmon, Apples and Grapes, and a Black Angus Steer. They represent our agricultural heritage. The Salmon symbolizes the cultural influence of the Indian on Benton County. The Salmon represents the power of our rivers and is our symbol of hope for tomorrow.

Dov Gutterman, 21 June 2000