Today is Flag Day

Catching the eye of all those who see it, the flag of Dominica can best be described as one full of splendor. The flag, in more ways than one, depicts the various aspects of the island which make it unique and the Dominican public is called upon every independence to celebrate the island’s flag.

This year, Dominicans locally, regionally and internationally will observe National Flag Day today Friday 1 November, 2013.

Flag Day is observed annually as part of the Independence celebrations and according to Cultural Projects Officer, Gregory Rabess, the day is set aside to give a focal point on the flag.

“People are urged to fly the flag and be proud of it because the whole reason behind the flag is very important. It is an identification marker for Dominicans and Caribbean people especially in the diaspora because during carnival and other events they make sure they get a flag or something with a flag since that is what identifies them as a Dominican,” he said.

He noted however, that people should not only fly the flag on that specific day but also throughout the year.

“We don’t want to give the impression that we should celebrate the flag only one day in the year. We promote flying the flag throughout the Independence and at their homes, on their vehicles, and other places,” he said.

Flag Day was moved to the same day as the National Youth Rally parade since it is a very important aspect of the parade.

Rabess also pointed out that discussion are currently ongoing in relation to the standardization of the printing of the flag.

“The printing of the flag is an issue of concern to the national emblems committee, and Cultural Division because the companies who print the flag may not get the colors right, the position of the colors right, amongst other things. There are usually various varieties of the flags,” he remarked.

He stated that the discussions are being held in an effort to engage those involved in printing the flag to print the original concept which was designed by Alwin Bully and to implement tighter control of permits as to who prints the flags.

The National flag consists of a circular emblem of red bearing a blue chested Sisserou Parrot standing on a twig. The parrot which must always face the flag pole, is encircled by ten lime green stars. The ten stars are outlined by yellow. This is superimposed by three vertical and three horizontal stripes of yellow, black and white forming a triple colored cross against a general background of forest green. Each symbol and color seen on the flag has a specific meaning and purpose.

The first official version of Dominica’s flag was officially revealed on November 3rd 1978 at the Government headquarters. It was designed by Alwin Bully for a flag competition held earlier that year. Whereas most flags have a maximum of four colors, Dominica’s national flag has eight which makes it more complex and expensive to produce.

For more information on Dominica’s flag follow link below.

http://www.lennoxhonychurch.com/national_symbols.cfm