|
|
| |
National Flag of Singapore |
|
|
A national flag reflects the ideals, beliefs, history and values of a nation. Singapore's flag, in a similar way, is a crucial representation framing the national identity of this southeast country. The national flag was unveiled on December 3, 1959, together with the state crest and the national anthem, at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara. The committee led by Dr. Toh Chin Chye, the then Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, conceptualized the structure of the flag and left no stone unturned to bring the conception to reality. |
|
This flag replaced the Union Jack, and upon Singapore's independence in 1965, it was adopted as Singapore's national flag.
Every icon in Singapore's national flag represents certain values and beliefs of this nation and its people. The flag features two horizontal bands; it is red on the top and white at the bottom. The circle made by a white moon crescent and five small white stars adorn the left side of the red half. The color red symbolizes equality and brotherhood, while white stands for the ideals of virtue and purity. The crescent moon signifies Singapore as a new nation, and the five stars represent the principles of democracy, justice, peace, progress and equality. |
|
|
While Singaporeans are encouraged to show their pride and sense of belonging by displaying the flag on regular days or days of national celebration, few strictly governed guidelines have to be kept in mind for proper use of the national flag. When the flag is displayed outside a building, it shall be displayed on or in front of the building. If the flag is flown at night, it should be properly illuminated. In maintaining the flag's honor, within Singapore, the national flag should take precedence over all other flags.
The Singaporeans are forbidden from using the National Flag of Singapore for commercial, advertisement, decoration, or funeral purposes. Some other guidelines include: the flag should not be worn as a part of any clothing; the pattern of the flag should not be tampered with; good care of the flag should be taken, and if it gets worn out, it should be replaced immediately with a new one.
The use and display of the flag is governed by Part III of the ‘Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Rules' made under the ‘Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem Act'.
|
| |
|
|
