3. Broad white of St. Andrew is uppermost in the two quarters next the staff; the red of St. Patrick is uppermost in the other quarters.
Its base is the cross of St. George, red on a white ground. On the political union of England and Scotland in 1707, the cross of St. Andrew, which is a white diagonal cross on a blue ground, was added, and to this Union flag there was joined, in 1801, the cross of St. Patrick, a red diagonal cross on a white ground. The colours of the Union Jack are red, which is the emblem of courage; white, the emblem of purity; and blue, the emblem of truth; so that we cannot do anything cowardly without disgracing our flag.
On memorial days the teacher, as he describes the past events that have helped to make our country strong and keep it free, may well refer to the colours of the flag as reminders of the virtues on which our Empire rests.
For memorial days the following, among others, are suggested:
FLAG DAYS
Opening and closing of each term
Jan. 1.—Municipalities incorporated in Canada, 1842. (To be celebrated on the first school day of the new year.)
Feb. 10.—Union of the Canadas, 1841.
March 11.—First Responsible Ministry, 1848.