I fly the "Lion Rampant"..... always have.
I think the design of the current Canadian flag sucks. Yes, I know all about the wind tunnel tests to make sure the design would be recognizable even flapping violently in the wind. But it's one of the world's most unimaginitive designs.
So... when we go into BC to cruise the Gulf Islands or whatever, we fly two courtesy flags. We fly the Maple Leaf flag because, lousy design sense or not, it IS Canada's flag so we need to respect that. But underneath it on the same flag halyard we fly the Red Ensign, the original Canadian flag.
And it's surprising when we're in a BC harbor like Nanaimo or Comox how many dock walkers notice the Red Ensign and make some comment like, "Now THAT's the proper flag."
As for the US flag---I saw this on a TV documentary awhile back--- all the elements of our flag are in the Washington family's coat of arms back in England. So when George realized they needed a flag to wave around so people would know which side they were on, and to have for the painters of the day to included in all their paintings of the war, I can imagine the scene.
George: Hey, we need a flag. Do something with red and white stripes and then put some white stars on a blue background. Here, use this as a guide.
He hands the flag-maker person a copy of his family's coat of arms.
Flag-maker person: So do you want the red and white stripes vertical like on here?
George: No, that looks dorky. I never liked that, and I told my dad that when he had the thing designed. Besides, then our flag will look like the Union Pacific Railroad logo.
Flag-maker person: "What's a railroad?"
George: I don't know. Something some nut-case engineer back home keeps yammering on about. Anyway, put the red and white stripes sideways.
Flag-maker person: How many sripes do you want?
George: Christ, I don't know.
Turns to one of his officers. Where'd we get all our soldiers?
Officer: From the colonies, sir.
George: Colonies? I thought this was all just one colony.
Officer: Well, the British think so, sir.
George: So how many colonies are there?
Officer: Thirteen, sir.
George: Thirteen? Geez, who came up with
that number?
He turns to the flag maker person. Well, there you go. Thirteen stripes. Seven red, six white or six white, seven red. I don't care, you're the creative one here.
Flag-maker person: What about the stars? How many do you want of them?
George: Well, let's keep it simple. Thirteen stars, too.
Flag maker person: Any particular arrangement?
George (exasperated): Look, I'm not going to do your job for you. Just use your best judgement.
And there you have it. The US flag. Based on a British coat of arms.
