Right now the Friday Harbor community is engaged in a dialogue about its future identity.

For many branding sounds like a shallow pursuit. But in reality it holds serious implications on how we view ourselves and the culture we create.

Will we be schlocky overly promoting tourism and selling out the whales? Or will we seek a more high-minded approach?

I believe Friday Harbor should adopt the White “Serenity” Flag as its brand to celebrate our unique culture of Peace, Freedom, Independence and Heritage.

By projecting such a bold symbol for Friday Harbor the notion of “surrender” takes on the spiritual aspect many feel as they come to the islands. Symbolizing that calming effect our environment and culture has to offer.

Also a White Serenity Flag will act like a weather-vane always expressing the current wind and light gracing our town. Any color on the flag would distract from this sense of ever-presence.

Regardless, I hope more continue to add their two cents to this important discussion.

David J Anderson/Friday Harbor