State Flags
Every nation, big or small, has its own national flag. The flag colours and symbolics have their own definite meaning. Being a symbol of the country it represents, each flag is an expression of human hopes and ideals. Behind every flag is the history of its country, the past and present of the whole people and often their future too. Flags of various countries are represented in the United Nations Organization.
The British state flag changed its form and appearance not once. From time to time there were various crosses, lions, flowers or stripes on it. The English king, Richard the Lion’s Heart, chose St. George his Patron. That’s why the colours of his shield, white field and straight red cross, became the colours and symbol of the English Navy flag.
After the death of the English Queen, Elizabeth 1, who was childless, the lawful heir to the English throne became the Scottish king Jacob, Mary Stuart’s son. The new king united England and Scotland and joined their flags into one. The new flag was called ”the Flag of Royal Colours “ and later — “The Union Jack” after the new king. In Oliver Cromwell times the flag changed again though not for long. Later the flag changed several times more.
The present UK national flag was adopted in 1801. Today it has 3 crosses on the dark blue field: straight red cross of St. George and 2 diagonal white and red crosses of St. Andrew and St. Patrik — traditional Patron Saints of England, Scotland and Ireland. The weave of crosses symbolizes power and might.
The USA national flag is popularly called “Stars and Stripes”. Its colours are red, white and blue proclaiming courage, liberty and loyalty. Thirteen horizontal white and red stripes mean the number of the original American states in the North and South, while 50 white stars on a blue field mean the number of 50 American states today.
Задание 2. Найдите в тексте и выпишите предложения:
Свидетельствующие о значении флага в жизни каждой страны.
Содержащие информацию о дате принятия государственного флага Великобритании.
Излагающие обоснования названия Британского флага.
Поясняющие выражения символа власти и могущества на Британском флаге.
Обьясняющие значение цветов и символики государственного флага США.