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G4EBT > FLAG 22.02.08 20:01l 114 Lines 4418 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 9F8032G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: Re: KB2VXA> Oz flag/Union Flag
Path: IZ3LSV<IW2OHX<I0TVL<DK0WUE<DB0RES<ON0BEL<GB7FCR
Sent: 080222/1725Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:62600 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:9F8032G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : FLAG@WW
Warren, KB2VXA wrote:-
> You'll find the history of the Canadian flag here;
> http://fotw.fivestarflags.com/ca-9prov.html
> They got rid of the Union Jack so why are the Aussies so fond of it?
It's a mystery.
The Union Flag in the upper canton of the Oz flag can easily be removed,
and certainly wouldd need to be if - or more likely when, Australia become
a republic. The clock is ticking away - not long to go now.
The present flag isn't that old anyway. The current specifications were
published in 1934, and in 1954 the flag became legally recognised as the
"Australian National Flag".
The flag is actually a defaced Blue Ensign - a blue field with the Union
Flag in the canton (upper hoist quarter), and a large white seven-pointed
star known as the Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter.
The fly contains a representation of the Southern Cross constellation,
made up of five white stars - one small five-pointed star and four,
larger, seven-pointed stars.
In addition to the Blue Ensign there are several other officially declared
Australian flags, including the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait
Islander flag, and the flags of the Defence Forces and merchant ships.
I doubt vdery much that it's a topci that exctes the minds of many in Oz
other than republicans, but the design of the Australian flag is the
subject of debate within Australia, with some advocating its redesign in
connection with the Australian republicanism and republican movement.
One suggested version is by "FlagOz" who state:
Quote:
For generations, Australians have dreamed of a flag that would reflect
the unique beauty that is Australia. Fifteen years in the making and after
conversation and consultation with literally thousands of Australians,
"Southern Cross and Boomerang" has emerged from the heart of this nation.
We at FlagOz are proud to present to you, the Australian people, this
design for our new flag.
The current design was created to cater to the needs of Federation.
In its day it made perfect sense. Seven British colonies uniting (the
Australia star) under the Southern Cross to form Australia.
It was the era of the British empire and many flags carried the Union
Jack.
The desire to create a uniquely Australian symbols is nothing new. Before
federation there were those who wanted to break more decisively with
tradition, most notably at the Eureka Stockade.
Without going into a long and inevitably divisive rendition of who is
and who is not keen on the current design it is fair to say that many
Australians in times past and today longed for a design free of all
notions except one - Australia.
Australians at Gallipoli, Tobruk, in Korea or Vietnam fought under the
flag of Australia, the banner of a free people, free to change the design
of that banner and we at FlagOz are profoundly aware that we exercise the
freedom that they fought for.
Changing the flag is not denigration of the current design or rejection of
the past. That a child leaves home and establishes itself independently in
the world is the natural, healthy course of life.
There may be pangs of separation but even more there is pride and joy
in the maturation process. We are not Asia, Africa, Europa or America.
We stand independently, a continent nation, proud of our heritage,
optimistic for our future. "Southern Cross and Boomerang" encapsulates
this essence of Australia.
End quote.
Makes sense to me.
I've let them know that the flag has my approval if they want to press on
with it. You can add your vote - it's got 1051 Supporters. On 23 February
2008 at 03:51:59 (Canberra time), the resident population of Australia is
projected to be: 21,218,328.
So, only 21,217,277 more votes to go!
http://www.flagoz.com/index.htm
>I don't know about Wales, didn't have time to look for it but I suppose
> it depends on the species. (;->)
The Welsh dragon doesn't appear on the Union flag because when the first
Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was already united with England from
the 13th century.
This meant that Wales a Principality instead of a Kingdom and as such
could not be included. In 1536, under Henry VIII, the Act of Union joined
England and Wales officially.
Best wishes
David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Message timed: 14:40 on 2008-Feb-22
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