Why does Hawaii have the Union Jack on their flag?
Hawaii's Union Jack Did you know that one of the US state flags carries the Union Jack symbol of Great Britain on it? Yes it's true; Hawaii, America's 50th state is emblazoned with the Union Jack symbol. The flag was commissioned by Hawaii's King Kamehameha the 1st. The flag has the Union Jack symbol in the upper left hand corner and eight red, white and blue stripes. The stripes represent the eight main islands, and the Union Jack is there to honor the King's friendship with the British.
Why is the Union Jack in Hawaii's flag?
The State of Hawaii simply retained the flag of the Kingdom of Hawaii after it entered the Union.The Kingdom had included the British ensign in the design due their initial close association with and respect for the British…though the exact details are unclear (Flag of Hawaii - Wikipedia).In doing this they managed to get past the killing of Capt. James Cook and also the Paulet affair. The latter event was where a British commission headed by Lord George Paulet (a naval commander) ruled the islands in 1843 from late February through July. The takeover by Paulet was done to address complaints (real and fancied) of British residents...and instigated by the recalcitrant British consul. When the British admiral in charge showed up he restored normal rule and that episode passed into history.
Why does Hawaii's flag have the Union Jack on the side?
It is a holdover of the period in Hawaiian history when it was under the influence of the British Empire. King Kamehameha I flew a British flag, probably a Red Ensign, given to him by British explorer Captain George Vancouver as a token of friendship with King George III. Subsequent visitors reported seeing the flag flying from places of honor. An adviser to Kamehameha noted that the Union Flag could draw Hawaiʻi into international conflict, as his kingdom could be seen as an ally of the United Kingdom, and he subsequently lowered the Union Flag over his home at Kamakahonu. While disputed as historically accurate, one account stated that in order to placate American interests during the War of 1812, a flag of the United States was raised over Kamehameha's home, only to be removed when British officers in the court of Kamehameha vehemently objected to it. This explains why the resulting flag of Hawaiʻi was a deliberate hybrid of the two nations' flags.
Why does Hawaii's flag have the Union Jack on it?
The Union Jack on the Hawaiian flag is a holdover of the period in Hawaiian history when it was a British protectorate (1794–1843). There are various accounts of the earliest history of the flag of Hawaii. One relates how King Kamehameha I flew a British flag, probably a Red Ensign, given to him by British explorer Captain George Vancouver as a token of friendship with King George III. Subsequent visitors reported seeing the flag flying from places of honor. An adviser to Kamehameha noted that the Union Flag could draw Hawaii into international conflict as his kingdom could be seen as an ally of the United Kingdom, and he subsequently lowered the Union Flag over his home at Kamakahonu. While disputed as historically accurate, one account stated that in order to placate American interests during the War of 1812, a flag of the United States was raised over Kamehameha's home only to be removed when British officers in the court of Kamehameha vehemently objected to it. This explains why the resulting flag of Hawaii was a deliberate hybrid of the two nations' flags In 1816, Kamehameha commissioned his own flag to avoid this conflict, which has evolved into the current flag. It was probably designed by one of the commanders of the Royal Hawaiian Navy, former officers of the British Royal Navy, who advised Kamehameha, based on a form of the British naval flag. There is debate as to the actual designer: some credit Alexander Adams, others George Beckley. It was very similar to the flag of the British East India Company in use about this time which had only red and white stripes. Captain Adams used this flag for the first time on a Hawaian trade mission to China in 1817. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Hawaii
Why does the Hawaiian state flag have the British union jack on it?
Probably to commemorate the fact that the Hawaiian Islands were discovered by a British explorer, Captain James Cook. I don't have a big problem with it.
Why doesn't Hawaii change its flag, which bears a Union Jack, since it no longer has any ties to the British? It looks very odd and completely out of place today.
It is historical. Listen, lads. There is a state out there which made headlines last year because of its controversial flag. It’s called Mississippi.Holy crap, a Confederate Cross? How repulsive! How could state legislatures produce such an abomination? Well, lads, it is historical and symbolic. Yes, Mississippi is now a Union State, so why should it remain such a horrid part of history?Now listen to this:I salute the flag of Mississippi and the sovereign state for which it stands with pride in her history and achievements and with confidence in her future under the guidance of Almighty God.—Mississippi Code Ann., Section 37-13-7, 1972Hmm…hear history? Listen, it’s symbolic of historical and traditional elements. Does that mean Mississippians are all Confederates? Nope. The North American Vexillological Association even marked it 22nd out of 72 American and Canadian flags. That’s way above average!Or Mozambique.Blimey, mate, is that an AK-47? On a national flag and ensign, proportions 2:3? The rifle stands for defense.Islamist insurgency in Mozambique - WikipediaRENAMO insurgency (2013–present) - WikipediaSeems like they need that, don’t they.Wow!And Guatemala and Haiti have these too. Who knew? Defense? Heck yeah.
Why does the Hawaiian state flag have a Union Jack on it?
The State of Hawaii adopted the flag of the former Kingdom of Hawaii as its own. The Union Jack was a made component of it due the kingdom's long association with and admiration for the British (prior to the incident related below).Granted, Hawaii was never technically a British colony however Hawaii was under British control for a time. A British commission headed by Lord George Paulet (a naval commander) ruled the islands in 1843 from late February through July. The takeover by Paulet was done to address complaints (real and fancied) of British residents...and instigated by the recalcitrant British consul. When the British admiral in charge showed up he restored normal rule and this episode passed into history.
Why do many country flag has union Jack symbol?
Most countries that have the Union Jack in their flag are actually still British Territories. The flags of Bermuda, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands all fall into this category.There are a few independent countries that still display the Union Jack in their national flags. The flags of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tuvalu. The Amercian state flag of Hawaii also includes the Union Jack.These are historic references, as all these territories were at one time British Colonies. There has been some movement to change the flags of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji (with the latter two even voting to do so), however none of the countries have decided to change at the moment. This is due to a variety of factors, from political, nostalgic and aesthetic.
What does the Hawaii state flag represent?
A2A.In modern history Hawaii has had at least 10 different designs of it’s flag, while current Hawaiian flag used by the State of Hawaii is displayed here below:So what does it mean?The flag of Hawaii resembles the Union Jack of Great Britain because many of King Kamehameha's advisors were British and the islands were once placed under England's protection.The flag has eight horizontal stripes representing the eight major islands, and the British Union Jack. It has served as the flag of the kingdom, republic, territory, and the state of Hawaii.
How do Americans view the Hawaiian flag?
I have to admit, I’m one of those estimated 98% who wouldn’t have recognized this as the state flag of Hawaii. I like to think that isn’t just because I’m “ignorant and apathetic,” which carry a rather negative connotation. It’s mainly because (1) I’ve never been to Hawaii, and (2) I’ve never had any particular reason to study all the state flags. I recognize my own state’s flag very easily, because I see it flying on government buildings and because the image is printed on my nursing license, but that’s about it.I would guess that most Americans also don’t recognize this flag:It looks rather like a black-and-white version of the U.S. flag, but it’s actually the flag of Brittany. Anyone who’s ever been to Brittany is familiar with it, because you see it everywhere there. But those who haven’t been there would have little opportunity to know anything about it, except perhaps those who attend Celtic festivals.Be that as it may, since I don’t like to be thought “apathetic,” I’m going to look up the history of the Hawaiian flag and learn something about it.