Text 1.The Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations

The flag of the Commonwealth of Nations consists of the Commonwealth symbol in gold on a blue field. The symbol centres on a globe, representing the global nature of the Commonwealth and the breadth of its membership. The globe is surrounded by 61 radiating spears, which form a 'C' for 'Commonwealth'. The number of spears does not represent the number of member states; instead, the large number represents the many ways in which the Commonwealth cooperates.

The Commonwealth flag flies at the Parliament of Canada in Ottawa. The initiative for its design is credited to two Canadians: the first Commonwealth Secretary-General Arnold Smith and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. It was officially adopted on 26 March 1976. The flag of the Commonwealth of Nations is flown at Marlborough House, London, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, throughout the year, and for a limited period at other venues where Commonwealth meetings, events, or visits are taking place. Commonwealth Secretary-General encourages the flying of the Commonwealth flag on the Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth flag represents the association of 53 members and their peoples.

Text 2. The Symbols and Structure of the Commonwealth

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2. Who is the Head of the Commonwealth?

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Text 2.The Symbols and Structure of the Commonwealth

Under that formula of the London Declaration Queen Elizabeth is the Head of the Commonwealth. However, when the monarch dies the successor to the crown does not automatically become the Head of the Commonwealth. The position is symbolic, representing the free association of independent members. Sixteen members of the Commonwealth, known as Commonwealth realms, recognize the Queen as their head of state. The majority of members (33) are republics, and five have monarchs of different royal houses. The Commonwealth has adopted a number of symbols that represent the association of its members. Elizabeth II holds the position of the Head of the Commonwealth as a symbol of the Commonwealth's free association, dating back to the London Declaration, issued in 28 April 1949. The English language is recognized as a symbol of the members’ heritage and is considered a symbol of the Commonwealth.

Text3. The Flag of Australia

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2. When is the annual Australian National Flag Day marked?

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Text3. The Flag of Australia

The present Australian flag consists of three main elements: 1. Union jack. The Union Jack is in the upper quadrant of the first quarter (also know as the Canton), denotes Australia's historical links with Great Britain. The Union Jack itself is composed of red and white intersecting, vertical and diagonal crosses on a blue background. 2. Southern Cross. The Southern Cross is in the second quarter. The Southern Cross consists of five stars - Alpha (7-pointed star), Beta (7-pointed star), Gamma (7-pointed star), Delta s (7-pointed star) and the smaller Epsilon star (5-pointed star). The the Southern Cross as a significant navigational feature of the southern hemisphere, has been associated with the continent since its earliest days. 3. Commonwealth Star (Star of Federation). The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation is in the third quarter or lower part of the canton. It has seven points to denote the six states and the combined territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The seventh point was added in 1909.