Mar 31, 2005

International Flags – Where Do Your Roots Come From?

International flags are a great way of celebrating your heritage. An international flag symbolizes patriotism to your native country and gives others a tiny glance into who you are as an individual. For North America, much of what we see today can be attributed to the hardworking immigrants that gave up their lives in their native countries in order to seek a better life thousands of miles away.

While there are many individuals whose roots can be traced to North America, the majority of us have blood running through us that originated elsewhere. Appreciating and acknowledging one’s ancestry is not only more accepted today, but it can be done in such a way that you can pay tribute to the land your ancestors came from and the land that has been your home since you were born. Displaying an international banner or flag from the country of your origin is a great way to celebrate your heritage.

A great example of how you can learn to appreciate others more and learn more about them comes from my neighbor. Two doors down from me there is a home that I had always been curious about. Being Italian, I immediately noticed the Latin last name that hung from their mailbox. I would see my neighbors milling about, but couldn’t place them. Maybe they were Portuguese? Or perhaps they were Latin American? Then one day, I noticed a bright flag hanging from the side of their home. A clue! As I waited for the wind to blow the flag out a bit, I could see the colors starting to emerge. Shades of red and green surfaced and I was able to determine they were indeed Portuguese. Suddenly, I felt like I knew them a little better.

An international banner is a great way to show off your patriotism, or welcome guests who will be staying with you from another country. These same neighbors had visitors from Germany this summer. How do I know? Because there was a German flag hanging from the side of their home and within a day I saw a group of tall blondes coming up the street in a camper. A little bit of them is revealed every day and I must say, for someone as nosey as I am - I find it fascinating.

Did You Know This? – Wearing The Flag Is A No-No

We’ve all seen soccer, or football fanatics who proudly wear their country’s flag during important matches, but did it ever cross your mind that these ultra patriotic fans might be going against the rules and regulations that govern the flag?

According to flag rules and regulations in the United States, no flag should ever be worn, nor should it ever have marks or words written upon it. The flag is not supposed to be used as wearing apparel and it should never have any mark, letter, word, figure, design, or insignia attached to it either.

So, the next time you get your decorative flags ready for the big game, you might want to remember that using the American flag is a big ‘no-no’.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com