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NYC Department of Sanitation, New York (U.S.)

by Dave Martucci

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In a letter to NAVA Member James Barr, dated October 11, 2001, Kathy Dawkins, Director of the Bureau of Public Information and Community Affairs, Department of Sanitation, New York City writes:

"On [a light blue] background, the flag's insignia of the [yellow] caduceus is a symbolic staff surmounted by two wings and entwined with two snakes. Among the ancient Greeks the caduceus was carried by heralds and ambassadors as a badge of office and a mark of personal inviolability. The emblazoned [red] 'S', of course, stands for Sanitation."

The flag also bears the yellow inscription "THE CITY OF NEW YORK" arched above the emblem and "DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION" arched below. The letter claims the actual flag measures 4'x10' but the photo shows it as being approximately 2:3 in proportion so the dimension must be wrong. Probably more like 4'x6'. The photo shows the flag fringed in gold and the letter goes on further to say:

"The flag is used for all departmental ceremonies and parades in which Sanitation is represented. Unfortunately, I do not have readily available documentation or by-laws pertaining to the flag's adoption."

Dave Martucci, 11 February 2003