Forum: Give the Singapore flag a name
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With the fervour of our National Day celebrations receding, it struck me that, unlike the flags of many other nations, our Singapore flag does not have a name.
Britain has the Union Jack, Canada the Maple Leaf, and Japan the Hinomaru (or sun disc).
The United States flag doesn’t just have one name, but many – the Stars and Stripes; the Star-Spangled Banner and Old Glory, amongst others. South Korea has its Taegeukgi (or supreme, ultimate flag), and even Malaysia has the Jalur Gemilang (or the “Stripes of Glory”).
The right name for a flag will stir the heart and evoke feelings of national pride.
It will help cement national unity, encapsulate the spirit of the people, and hopefully fortify our national identity.
Isn’t it time we gave our flag a name?
Adrian Chan Pengee
