Royal Union Flag

The Union Flag

The Royal Union Flag, called the Union Flag (or, commonly, Union Jack) in the United Kingdom, was used as a de jure flag until the adoption of the current flag in 1965. It remains an official Canadian flag, being flown on certain specific occasions.

Currently, regulations require federal installations to fly the Union Flag beside the Maple Leaf where physical arrangements exist (i.e., a second flagpole) on the following days: Commonwealth Day (the second Monday in March), Victoria Day (which is also the Sovereign's official birthday in Canada), and the anniversary of the Statute of Westminster (December 11). The Union Flag can also be flown at the National War Memorial or at other locations during ceremonies that honour Canadian involvement with forces of other Commonwealth nations during times of war. The Union Flag is always preceded by the Maple Leaf flag, the latter occupying the place of honour.

The Union Flag is also part of the provincial flags of Ontario and Manitoba, forming the canton of these flags. A modified version is used on the flag of British Columbia. The flag of Newfoundland and Labrador is a stylized version of the Union Jack.

Several of the provincial lieutenant-governors formerly used a modified Union Flag as their personal standard, but the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia is the only one who retains this design.

The Union Flag and Canadian Red Ensign are still sometimes flown in Canada by veterans' groups and others who continue to stress the importance of Canada's British heritage and the Commonwealth connection.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20