Taiwan flag adds to local flag expert's collection

Heritage

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(L) Paul Kelly, Howie McLaren, Doug Johnson, Mayor Mike Smith, Propeller Club President Rick Schumacher, Councilor Thead Seaman, Mandy Wang and Rotary President, Marcel Legault with the official National Flag of Taiwan

Doug Johnson of Southampton is known as a flag expert, so it was only fitting that a special flag from Taiwan was presented to him to add to his collection.

Port Elgin resident and Propeller Club member, Alice McLaren, was given the flag by her daughter who brought it back from Taiwan recently along with a second flag, known as the official Naval flag.

McLaren's daughter, who is a sign language interpreter for the deaf, is also involved with the Deaf Olympics.

As with any flag, the Taiwan standard has a long history.  The solid blue with the white star was the first to be officially adopted in 1914 as the naval flag and then became the national flag in 1928.  Originally designed by Hou-tung Lu to represent the blue sky and white sun, it wasn't until later that the red was added by Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

The red in today's flag represents the land of China while the white sun symbolizes the spirit of progress as the 12 points represent the 12 hours of the day, since a traditional Chinese house equals two conventional hours.  The tri-color is also the party flag of the Nationalist Party, which ruled Taiwan until 2000.

In addition the three colors signify the Three Principles of the People:  Blue stands for liberty, justice and democracy; White stands for equality, brightness and People's Livelihood and, finally, Crimson stands for fraternity, sacrifice and nationalism.

According to Taiwanese exchange student, Mandy Wang, who is studying in Saugeen Shores on a one-year Rotary exchange program, October 10th is 'National Day' in Taiwan when the flag is flown everywhere.

Johnson, who has a flagpole at his home, flies various flags from his collection on special days and said that he will honour National Day by raising his new Taiwan standard.

Original Taiwan flag is now the official Naval Flag

Rotary Exchange Student, Mandy Wang, holds the official banner for the 2009 21st Summer Deaf Olympics

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Thursday, December 03, 2009