All photos ©1998 NAVA

Our new President, Dave Martucci relates his memories of the Convention:

Hello Fellow NAVA members,

NAVA 32 was an excellent convention. Approximately 50 people attended, and there was much to see and hear!

The NAVA Flag flies along with the Québec City Flag, the Québec
Flag and the Canadian Flag at Québec City Hall.

Québec City is a wonderful, very friendly place and an excellent venue for any meeting.
Although the weather was somewhat overcast, the atmosphere in Le Concorde Hotel was excellent.

Mr. Vezina welcomes us in the Red Room of the National Assembly.

Friday was an exciting day; besides a wonderful tour of the city, the City Government hosted us for a short address in the Council Chambers (with wine of course) and then we were hosted at the National Assembly for a tour of the building (including the Flag Room) and a reception in the former Senate chamber (The Red Room).

Truman Pope, André Gariépy, and Jim Croft look over the replicas of Québec's historic flags in the Flag Room.

The National Assembly is a beautiful building with ornate carvings of various Coats of Arms and floral emblems of the peoples who make up Québec.

John Purcell, Jim Croft, Gerry McCavera, Dave Martucci, Virginia McCavera and Jean-Robert Zonda examine the entry hall of the National Assembly.

Carita Culmer, Peter Kinderman, and Jim Babcock listen to the guide explain about the symbols and paintings decorating the Blue Room where the National Assembly meets.

The presentations were great:

Peter Orenski selling hats!

• "The Flag of the Maritime Republic of Eastport [Maryland]" by Harry Oswald
• Peter Orenski ran a brainstorming session on "Merchandising NAVA"
• "The Revolutionary Communist Party and Flag Burning During Its Forgotten Years, 1974-1989" by Professor Robert Goldstein

Gerry Wharton showing one of the flags he has raised
for the Government of Canada.

• "Raising Flags in Canada" by Gerry Wharton
• "Portugal: The Republic Finds Its Flag" by Kevin Harrington
• "Majulah Singapura" by Professor Scot Guenter
• "The Internet and the Future of Vexillology," a round table discussion with panelists Whitney Smith and David Martucci, moderated by Scot Guenter

Panel discussion, from left to right, Whitney Smith,
Dave Martucci, and moderator Scot Guenter

• Doreen Braverman gave a preview of the NAVA 33/ 18 ICV next year in Victoria, BC Canada.
• Dave Martucci showed the contents of his Flag Duffel Bag.
• "Flags Granted by the Canadian Heraldic Authority" by Auguste Vachon
  Luc-Vartan Baronian.
• "American-Influenced Flags in Lower Canada" by Luc Baronian

Jim Croft giving his presentation.

• "The Use of Flora Symbolism on Canadian Civic Flags" by Jim Croft
• "A Flag for Hampton Roads" by James Babcock
• "Three New Argentine Provincial Flags" and "A Kilt, A Poncho, A Flag" by Gus Tracchia

Gus Tracchia giving his presentation.

Luc Baronian won the Captain Driver Award of USD$250 for the best paper presented to the convention.

Kin Spain, Luc Baronian, and Sandi McQuaide and Tom Caulfield of the National Flag Foundation presenting the Driver Award.

Professor Scot Guenter was awarded the "Whitney" for his outstanding contributions to vexillology. The award, named after Whitney Smith, of course, is a statue modeled after the Emmy, holding up a star with vee-shaped arms. It is awarded only when there is a worthy receipient. Scot is the third reciepient, joining Whitney Smith (awarded 1992) and Grace Cooper (awarded 1994).

Scot Guenter being presented the Whitney Award by President Kin Spain.

There were many displays; Kevin Harrington sold flag books; Peter Orenski sold European and NAVA items; The [US] National Flag Foundation displayed their items; NEVA and FOTW info was distributed by Dave Martucci.

Dr. Whitney Smith making a point at the business meeting.

• The NAVA Business Meeting went smoothly; the members decided to keep honorary membership in the bylaws but the other bylaws amendments passed.

  
  Outgoing President Kin Spain passes the Presidential Flag to newly elected President Dave Martucci. Thanks, Kin!

  The new Officers were elected by acclimation; Dave Martucci, President; David Breitenbach, 1st Vice President; Carita Culmer, 2nd Vice President; Truman Pope, Secretary; and Peter Orenski, Treasurer.

  
  Our new President, Dave Martucci

  There were many sumptious meals served during the meeting, including a delightful luncheon on Saturday where the attendees were addressed by Kevin Harrington and Whitney Smith, followed by each new member introducing themself. The banquet was fabulous!

  
  Jim Croft and Kevin Harrington chat with new members during lunch.

  The new President held his first Board Meeting and made appointments to the various committees. A list is available on request.

  Special thanks go to David Breitenbach, Jean-Robert Zonda, the Governments of the Province of Québec and the City of Québec for a wonderfully organized and excellent event. Thanks to all who attended. Please start making plans to go to Victoria next summer. You won't regret the trip!

  
  18ICV/NAVA33, July 1998,
  Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
  Be there!