Author: emilyrex

Flag of Zimbabwe

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The flag of Zimbabwe was adopted on April 18, 1980, when Zimbabwe’s status as an independent nation was officially recognized.  The flag is a rectangular shape with seven horizontal stripes of green, yellow, red, and black.  From the stripes are in mirror image order and are arranged in the following order from top to bottom: green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, green.  On the left side of the flag is a white triangle with a black border.  Inside the white triangle is a soapstone bird behind a red star.

The colors of the flag of Zimbabwe have symbolic meaning similar to many African countries that use the pan-African colors.  The green stripes symbolize the products of the agricultural and farming areas of Zimbabwe.  The yellow stripes symbolize Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.  The red stripes toward the center of the flag symbolize the blood of the many Zimbabweans that fought in the First and Second Chimurenga wars.  Chimurenga means “revolutionary struggle” in Shona, a Bantu language.  The First Chimurenga was fought between 1896 and 1897 against the British colonial rule and the second was fought between 1966 and 1980 against the Rodesians, a white minority regime in Zimbabwe.  Finally, the black stripe on the flag symbolizes the Zimbabweans’ native African heritage and ethnicity.

The triangle and images inside it also have symbolic meaning.  The white triangle symbolizes peace.  The red star represents the Zimbabweans’ hope and optimism for the future, but it also stands for the country’s socialist ideals.  The Zimbabwean bird in front of the red star is a depiction of a soapstone bird and is the national emblem of Zimbabwe.  The bird was carved on the walls of the ancient Great Zimbabwe in the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries.  The walls on which the bird is carved formed the largest ancient stone construction in Zimbabwe.  The bird is a bateleur eagle and can be found on the Zimbabwean flag and coat of arms.

Flag of Norway

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The flag of Norway was adopted on July 13, 1821. It is rectangular with a red background and a blue Scandinavian cross that is outlined in white.  The cross covers the entirety of the flag but the center of the cross is slightly to the left side of the flag.  The design and colors of the flag resemble the Dannebrog, or the flag of Denmark, except that the Norwegian flag features a blue and white cross while the Donnebrog is plain white.

The colors of the Norwegian are based on the Coat of Arms of Norway, which features a red shield with a golden lion holding an axe.  On top of the shield is a bold crown and a red escutcheon.  The Coat of Arms of Norway originated in the Middle Ages and is one of the oldest coats of arms in Europe.

The history of the Norwegian flag is somewhat unclear, although the flag may have originated during the reign of Inge Haraldsson in the early twelfth century.  During Inge’s rule, a flag with a red lion on a gold background was used.  In the late thirteenth century, Erik II of Norway flew a flag with a golden lion on a red background.  This flag is now known as the Royal Standard of Norway; it is used by the King of Norway and was officially adopted on November 15, 1905.

From 1536 until 1814, Norway united with the Kingdom of Denmark and used the Dannebrog, a red flag with a white Scandanavian cross. When Norway separated from Denmark in 1814, it continued to fly the Dannebrog, but also included the golden lion from its own coat of arms in the upper left corner of the flag.

Fredrik Meltzer, a member of the Norwegian parliament, designed the current flag of Norway. Although the Norwegian chambers approved the design, the King of Norway approved the flag for civilian use only. In 1899, after three consecutive chamber sessions, the flag was finally approved for use as the country’s national banner.

Flag Pins

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Looking for a way to wear your pride on your lapel, hat, or uniform? The United States Flag Store offers many different United States, international, and military flag pins at unbeatable prices.  Each flag pin  gold metal lacquered design with a baked-on enamel finish and a clutch pin. Pins that display single flags feature an image of one waving flag and double flags feature a United States flag along with the other chosen flag.

If you’re looking to display your patriotic spirit, the United States Flag store offers several different United States flag pins that you can wear with pride on your lapel, hat, or uniform.  Standard United States flag pins are available for as low as $0.40 each when you purchase them in bulk and feature beautiful images of the United States flag waving in the air.  A wide selection of military flag pins and double pins—those with one U.S. flag and another state, military, or international flag next to each other—are also available in beautifully lacquered designs.

The United States Flag store also sells lapel pins for all fifty U.S. states.  These beautiful pins display your state’s flag waving proudly in the air and are available for as low as $0.75 each when your order in bulk.

If you’re looking to display your international pride and diplomacy, then take a look at the United States Flag Store’s incredible selection of international flag pins.  Countries represented include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Cuba, Germany, France Greece, Ireland, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan Kenya, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Pins for other countries can be ordered upon request.

Want a special, customized pin?  The United States Flag Store will create custom lapel pins to promote your company, club, church, or organization.  These beautiful custom pins are individually designed to fit your organization’s needs and are available in enamel, pewter, silver, and gold. Your organization can either submit artwork for your pin or work with an artist to create a custom design.  For questions about this great service, email customart@onlinestores.com.

Flag of the Czech Republic

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The flag of the Czech Republic was adopted on March 30, 1920, shortly after the formation of the Czech Republic. It is a rectangular flag with a blue isosceles triangle on the left side and two horizontal stripes covering the remaining area.  The top stripe is white and the bottom is red.  The Czech flag is identical to the flag of former Czechoslovakia.

Like many European nations, the colors of the flag of the Czech Republic originated from its coat of arms.  The coat of arms of the Czech Republic displays shield from the three regions that make up the nation: Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia.  The Bohemian coat of arms consists of a white lion with two tails on a red background.  The Moravian coat of arms features a red and silver eagle on a blue background, and the flag of Silesia features a black eagle on a gold background.

The original flag of Czechoslovakia is based on the Bohemian coat of arms and was identical to the Bohemian flag. The first flag of Czechoslovakia consisted of a white horizontal band on the top and a red band on the bottom.  Since this flag was nearly identical to the flag of Poland and very similar to the Austrian flag in its choice of colors, a blue isosceles triangle was added to the left side.

During World War II, the Nazi regime banned the flag of Czechoslovakia.  The central region of Czechoslovakia—including parts of Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia—was named the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia by Hitler and considered part of the Third Reich.  During this region’s formal existence from 1939-1945, the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia flew a rectangular flag with three horizontal stripes of equal width: the top stripe was white, the middle stripe was red, and the bottom stripe was blue.

At the end of World War II, the flag of Czechoslovakia was restored. From 1990 until 1992, during the formation of the Czech and Slovak Republics, the Czechs briefly used the original red and white flag of Bohemia. Eventually, however, the Czech government decided to continue using the Czechoslovakian flag established in 1920.

Sports Banner Flags

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The United States Flag Store is the largest online vendor of garden flags, offering a wide variety of durable and beautifully appliquéd garden flags at incredibly low prices.  If you’re looking for sports flags, you’ve visited the right website: the United States flag store sells NFL, NASCAR, and Major League Baseball flags for as low as $9.50 each.

The United States Flag Store has a selection of over thirty NFL team flags for you to display your football pride.  Each beautifully appliquéd flag measures 15” by 10.5”, includes a pole hem, and is made of durable, high quality nylon.  Most NFL flags on the website feature a brightly colored background with an authentic team logo in the center.  Other flags are more elaborate, however: the Indianapolis Colts flag includes an image of a Colts helmet with the words “Indianapolis Colts” above the image.  The Miami Dolphins flag includes an image of a dolphin wearing a Miami helmet with a sun in the background. At a low price of $11.99, these flags are truly a great buy!

If NASCAR is your passion, the United States Flag Store has eight different NASCAR flags representing some of the best drivers.  Each flag is made with 150-denier polyester for supreme weather resistance and is double sided with a lining in the middle. Flags measure 13” x 17” and include a pole hem.  NASCAR drivers represented include Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Carl Edwards.  Flags feature your favorite driver’s number, their signature, and bright vibrant colors that passersby are sure to notice.

The United States Flag Store offers pennant flags representing seventeen of your favorite Major League Baseball teams.  Each flag is made of weather-resistant 420-denier nylon and measure 14” by 34”.  Pennants feature the baseball team’s logo on the widest end and team colors throughout the rest of the flag. These great pennants can be displayed in your yard outside or indoors on your favorite wall.

What are you waiting for? Order your sports flags from the U.S. Flag Store today!

Flag of Serbia

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The flag of Serbia was adopted on August 16, 2004. It is a rectangular flag with three horizontal stripes of equal width: the top stripe is red, the middle stripe is dark blue, and the bottom stripe is white. Centered vertically, towards the left side of the flag is the lesser coat of arms of Serbia, which features a red background with a white double-headed eagle, Serbian cross between four silver fire steels, two fleurs-de-lys, and a crown at the top.  The colors blue, red, and white, represent the pan-Slavic colors and are featured in many countries’ flags near Serbia.

The origins of the Serbian flag date to 1281.  This flag was flown under the rule of Stephen Vladislav I of Serbia and consisted of two horizontal stripes: the top stripe was red and the bottom was blue. A map from 1339 depicts of a different flag, however. This flag, flown under the rule of Stephen Uros IV Dusan of Serbia, features a red double-headed eagle on a golden background, similar to the Serbian coat of arms.

In the early nineteenth century, many flags were used in Serbia, some using the double-headed eagle in various colors and others using the pan-Slavic colors.  In 1835, however, the Sretenje Constitution standardized the Serbian flag, mandating that the official flag would contain three horizontal stripes of red, blue, and white.  Critics of the flag and the constitution thought the flag was too similar to Russia’s flag and the flag of the French Revolution, but the tricolor base remained.

The red, white, and blue stripes have been the foundation of the flag, but several variations have been used during the last two centuries.  From 1892 until 1918, during the Kingdom of Serbia, the royal coat of arms was included in the center of the flag.  After World War II, during the Socialist Republic of Serbia, the flag contained a red star in the center.  Following the fall of the communist regime, Serbia’s flag was a plain tricolor until 2004, when the lesser coat of arms was included.

Fall Banner Flags

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Fall is here to stay (at least for a little while), and what better way to show your seasonal spirit than by displaying a fall banner flag from the United States Flag Store?! All banners are made of durable, high quality 200 Denier nylon.  Images and lettering are either artfully appliquéd or embroidered. You might see some of these beautiful fall flags at your local store for up to $30, but at the U.S. Flag Store, you’ll save big, paying as little as $16.95 for these beautiful flags.

For a classic fall look, the United States Flag Store offers several fall banner flags featuring leaves, pumpkins and flowers in beautiful shades of red, orange, and brown. The Season’s Harvest Pumpkin Flag, for example features an exquisite array of fall vegetables—including pumpkins, corn, grapes, and squash—as well as flowers and leaves.  The flag measures 28” x 40” so your neighbors and passersby will be sure to notice.

If your looking for a whimsical flag, take a look at the Scarecrow Banner Flag.  The scarecrow on this flag is more realistic than even the most sophisticated animated images.  With a pumpkin in hand, fall sunflowers in the background, and an adorable stitched grin on his face, this scarecrow is sure to melt your heart and put you in fall spirit! This flag is made from 100% pretreated polyester, so you won’t even need to worry about taking your scarecrow in when it rains!

For schoolteachers, or just anyone in the back-to-school spirit, the United States Flag Store offers two fantastic School and Teacher Flags. Both flags feature a beautiful array of back-to-school supplies—crayons, pencils, apples, books, rules, and chalk script—and include a pole hem and attachment tabs.  At a low price of $16.95, you’ll save $9 off the list price and have a beautifully decorated lawn or garden.

Gadsden Flag T-Shirts

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The United States Flag Store has a fantastic selection of Gadsden Flag T-Shirts. The Gadsden flag is an American historical flag.  It has a yellow background with a coiled rattlesnake.  Underneath the rattlesnake reads the phrase: “Don’t tread on me.”  The American general Christopher Gadsden designed this flag. The Gadsden flag was used for by the United States Navy, and it has most recently been adopted by the Tea Party Movement.

The Original Don’t Tread On Me T-Shirt features an authentic image of the Gadsden flag on a bright yellow t-shirt.  These shirts are printed in-house on high-quality, value-priced, 100% heavy-duty Fruit of the Loom cotton. Shirts are available in sizes small through triple extra large, and at only $14.95, they are truly a great value and make great gifts!

If you’re looking for something more formal, United States Flag Store also offers a classy Gadsden Flag Polo Shirt.  The image is featured in the upper left-hand corner.  These great shirts are only $19.99 and available in sizes small through double extra large.

If you’re looking for something more animated, take a look at the United States Flag Store’s Gadsden t-shirts in diamond and fire designs.  These t-shirts feature a profile image of the rattlesnake, ready to bite.  An American flag and Declaration of Independence appear in the background of these snazzy shirts, and you can choose from diamond or fire text for the slogan. These great shirts are available in sizes small through triple extra large, and discounts are available for ordering two or more!

The scrolls version of the Gadsden t-shirt is particularly flashy because it features the open-mouthed rattlesnake facing out, allowing both beady eyes and long, sharp fangs to be completely visible. Like the diamond and fire t-shirts, the American flag and Declaration of Independence are featured in the background.  The famous slogan appears on two scrolls, one above and one below the rattlesnake image.

Be sure to check out more great varieties of the Gadsden flag t-shirt at United States Flag Store’s website.  Printed on the highest quality, heavy-duty cotton, these shirts are truly a great value and fantastic way to voice your political views!

Flag of Rwanda

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The flag of Rwanda was adopted on October 25, 2001. The flag is rectangular with three horizontal stripes.  The top stripe is a bright but light blue and is twice as wide as the two other stripes.  Below the blue stripe is a yellow stripe, and a green stripe lines the bottom of the flag. A yellow, twenty-four rayed sun is featured in the top right corner of the flag, in the blue field.  Alphonse Kirimbenecyo, a Rwandan artist, designed his country’s current flag.

The flag’s colors and the sun have symbolic meaning for the people of Rwanda.  The large blue stripe represents happiness and peace in Rwanda.  The yellow stripe symbolizes Rwanda’s mineral resources, which contribute to the country’s economy.  The green stripe stands for Rwanda’s natural resources and also for the Rwandan people’s hopes for prosperity.  The yellow sun in the upper right corner stands for unity among the Rwandan people and also transparency and enlightenment.

Rawanda used a different flag from 1961—just prior to Rwanda gaining independence from Belgium—until the time of the current flag’s adoption.  The older version of the flag was a vertical tricolor with an “R” in the middle.  The “R” distinguishes Rwanda’s flag from Guinea’s national flag, which is a vertical tricolor with the same colors.  The color choice for the older version of the flag represents the traditional African tricolor of red, yellow and green. In the older Rwandan flag, the red stripe is on the left side; the yellow stripe is in the middle and contains the large black “R” for Rwanda; and the green stripe is on the left side.  Traditionally, the red represents the strength of the Rwandan people; the green represents peace; and the yellow stands for the Rwandan people’s hope for future development. Although this African tricolor flag was used for many years, the flag’s association with the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 during which over 800,000 people were murdered prompted creation of a new flag.

Flag of Ireland

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The flag of Ireland was officially adopted in 1919 when Ireland gained its independence from Great Britain. The flag is rectangular with three vertical stripes: a green stripe on the left side, a white stripe in the middle, and an orange stripe on the right.

The colors and design of the Irish flag have clear symbolism and historical context. The green stripe on the flag represents the Gaelic tradition, the majority of Ireland’s population and the group of revolutionaries that fought for Ireland’s independence.  The orange stripe stands for William of Orange—the king of England and Ireland—and his supporters.  These supporters were overwhelmingly Protestant, loyal to the British government, and often found conflict with the Gaelic Irish majority.  The white in the center represents a truce, and more importantly, peace, between the two major Irish traditions.

The origin of the Irish flag dates back to the rivalry between the Gaelic and Orange Irish traditions.  The Gaelic Irish began using a green flag with a harp on it in the mid seventeenth century, and shortly after, the color green—and the harp—became widely associated with the Gaelic people.  The Protestants, who organized the Orange Order, founded their kingdom in 1795, and the two traditions fought each other in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.  In the mid-nineteenth century, many Irish nationalists began to spread the idea of making peace between these two traditions in order to have an independent Irish nation.

The use of green, white, and orange colors together was first exhibited during the French Revolution, when Irish supporters wore cockades, rosettes, and badges featuring this tricolor to celebrate.  In 1848, a group of French women gave the first version of the Irish flag to Thomas Francis Meagher, a Young Ireland leader, and he displayed the flag from publicly for the first time during a public address celebrating the French Revolution. Although the tricolor flag was often displayed alongside the French tricolor during this period, the green Gaelic flag was most often used until the Easter Rising, which began the Irish revolution in 1916.