photos by Ben Droz, video by Brandon Bloch, words by Ally Behnke
It is common knowledge among those whose birthdays are on June 14th, that this day is Flag Day. Across America these few citizens and history buffs come together to celebrate Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the original United States flag back in 1777. Since Betsy Ross’s creation, the US Flag has undergone many changes to incorporate a new star for each new state.
Here in Washington, DC, as you may know, we pay federal taxes, but we don’t have a star that represents us on the American Flag, or a voice in Congress. What we do have, however, is an awesome DC flag, so freaking awesome that it is common practice for DC residents and enthusiasts to get a DC flag tattoo. This practice inspired the website DistrictLove.com where those with the DC Flag Tattoo can share their ink.
Over the weekend, and just in time for Flag Day, DC Shadow Representative Mike Panetta and Former Adams Morgan ANC Commissioner Bryan Weaver got inked with the DC Flag symbol at Tattoo Paradise. As you can see in the video, these local politicians got ink done to commemorate the struggle for DC statehood.
This Flag Day, June 14th from 6-8pm in Dupont Circle, we will celebrate DC Flag Tattoos and explore the reasons people get DC flag ink. So whether you have a DC Flag Tattoo or not, come share DC love, talk about tattoos, DC Statehood or both, get creative with Albus Cavus hands and learn how to get more invovled.
- Follow updates on Twitter under #DCFlagTattoo
- Afterparty will be at ESL, 1212 18th St form 8-12 midnight with DJ Nitekrawler.
(listen to his mixes http://soundcloud.com/nitekrawler45)
Previously in BYT Recommends:
- 5/15: NEXT WEEK: BYT + Art and Soul (FREE) Crab Boil Patio Happy Hour
- 5/15: Save the Date - BYT & Capital Pride Present: WildLife
- 5/14: Preview: American Craft Beer Week @ Smith Commons
- 5/7: "Look Both Ways" At The Kennedy Center And Around Washington
- 5/3: Save the Date: BYT Presents: Zou Bisou Bisou @ The Embassy of France
- 4/26: Sweetlife Festival Set Times Announced-Plan Accordingly
- 4/23: This Saturday come to: CLASS IS IN SESSION - Amazing Food, Amazing Drinks, A Good Cause
- 4/20: PREVIEW: Water St Project Kicks Off (Officially) Today
- 4/9: ANNOUNCING: The BYT Howard Kick Off Party - APRIL 26th
- 3/30: Behind The Desk 41: Why This Is A Game Show
God loves a cheerful giver.
Can someone make Obama get one?
I'm from PA, and have family in the District. My son, while living in DC, got this tattoo before moving to LA a year and a half ago. It is outrageous and curious to me that so many creative, energetic and bright people contribute to the improvement and vitality of the DC neighborhoods, have permanent homes there, and are not part of the mobile political machine, yet they have NO VOICE in Congress. This peculiar exception that exempts DC residents from having Congressional representation feels as arbitrary and capricious as the luxury health care and retirement plan that Congress voted for itself but would NEVER vote to give to THE PEOPLE. Nothing is off the table when it comes to their personal "needs" - nothing's too expensive or gone without that Congress wants for itself, even though everyone sitting in the Senate or House could well afford these "luxuries" for themselves. If the National Treasury, replenished by all those that still VOLUNTEER to pay taxes, even with marginal and dubious representation; pay for that fancy DC Park system that keeps the Federal buildings cleaned, maintained and landscaped, allowing all to enjoy the various monuments and Smithsonian Exhibits. It pays to keep the electric on and the toilets flushing in all FEDERAL BUILDINGS, in DC and throughout the nation. If a taxpayer in DC pays for the maintenance of the Alaskan pipeline, why the hell don't they get a voice to see that RESPONSIBLE and viable politicos represent their interests in Congress? Just because the President's home is in DC and Congress (when they actually accomplish something FOR THE PEOPLE as opposed to the National Enquirer) have session in DC , not having even one representative in the House doesn't cover any of the special interests of the DC residents. Talk about being Ghost people1!!! But I \\bet you get a parking ticket on expired meters, and have to turn the stereo down after midnight or the DC police will pay you a visit. Having an Office of the Mayor, doesn't address National issues. If you didn't care about the country, you'd likely be living in London, or Amsterdam or somewhere that at least appreciates the presence of people that make a contribution to the aliveness of their Capitol city! Without representation, only further resentment and mockery of the situation can be the result. Good for you Ben, Brandon and Ally for coming up with and getting the word out in this most creative way. BTW, the fellow in the video who got his first tat looks like he could be Sean Penn's brother....