New Zealand Flag Institute

GLOSSARY

 

 

 

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STATE ENSIGN -

The STATE FLAG flown on non-military government vessels. Often a basic design with special badge’s added for individual services (post office, customs, fishery, etc.).

 

STATE FLAG -

There are two quite distinct definitions of State Flag:

1) A flag flown on land over non-military property of a Government; also called the government flag. Many state flags are the same as national flags, but with the country's coat of arms added. Distinguished from the flags used by the people, the Sovereign, or by the military. A state ensign is a state flag used at sea by government ships (i.e. RED ENSIGN). Where they differ from civil flags, state flags often carry a coat of arms.

2) In countries which have a federal system, a state flag may refer to the flags of the states. Also, by analogy, provincial or county flags.

 

Storm flag -

A flag should never be lowered purely due to adverse weather. If strong winds are expected a special storm flag should be flown. In the U.S. Army the storm flag is 5 feet (1.5 m) wide by 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 m) long, half as wide and half as long as a normal post flag.

 

Streamer -

A long, narrow flag.

 

SUIT OF FLAGS -

The group of flags flown on a warship comprising the ENSIGN, JACK, and COMMISSIONING PENNANT.

 

SUPPORTERS -

Figures on either side of a shield to support or protect it. The supporters on