In a history of a country, symbols become a visual reminder of her people’s faith and loyalty.  During time of the Ancients, these symbols included colors and perhaps representations of animals painted of shields or banners.

Flags and banners have been around since the dawn of ancient history.  During the Empire Period, the Caesars used red banners hoisted on uprights with some sort of symbol topper.  These were carried in the precession before Caesars, as a way of announcing his approach.

The Medieval Period in Europe brought the colors and coats of arms of the Lord of the manor or the reigning monarch.  The use of banners and pennants were common-place, as a show of fidelity to one’s status in society. 

      The Clans of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales took the symbolic colors to another level and created the tartan.  These colors would help distinguish one clansman from another; families would come together under the protection of larger or more powerful-landed gentry.  In turn, these families would pledge their loyalty and their service to these lords.  When the lords went to war, the rest of the clans would champion his cause. 

 Flags are more than just pieces of cloth sewn together to create a colorful symbol of a country.  Flags are a living; dare say breathing, part of a country’s history. Flags were an important part of a soldier's morale. They looked on their "colors" with pride. They defended them with their very lives. For the commanders, it allowed them to be able to keep up with their troops and see where they were located on the battlefield from great distances. One can research their country’s history and find that there have been many different variations of their Nation’s flag.  In some instances, their Nation’s flag appears to be nothing like the earlier ones.

 Welcome to the second in a series of virtual field trips.  The objective of this virtual field trip is to bring to light the progression of Our Nation’s flag.  A bit of historical information and interactive links will accompany each of these historic flags.

 Again, I would like to request your assistance in designing future virtual field trips.  Please sign my guest book with your suggestions or comments on how to improve on these or future virtual field trips.  I am always open to your comments.

 Now settle back and enjoy your virtual adventure …………

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