Today, I shall present here the “Flags of the Commonwealth Countries” which have flag reference in their respective “National Anthems” either in the title, the beginning, and/or one or more verse or in chorus.
A National Anthem in the words of Robert S. Gauron “is a patriotic song , hymn, march, folk tune, drinking song, or other musical composition sung or played on official occasions. It is an audible symbol of a country, just as a flag or coat of arms is a visible symbol”. Early National Anthems used to honour rulers of nations, but the French revolution produced the first people’s anthems “La Marseillaise” in 1792. Today, a great many Nations have National Anthems, and Patriotic Songs which mention the National Flags of their respective countries.
A revised version of the patriotic song ‘Advance Australia Fair’ composed by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878 was officially declared the national anthem in 1984. Until then, the song was sung in
Australia as a patriotic song.
The original 'Verse 2' of the song
was sung as ;
"When gallant Cook from Albion sailed,
To trace wide oceans o'er,
True British courage bore him on,
Til he landed on our shore.
Then
here he raised Old England's flag,
The
standard of the brave;
"With all her faults we love
her still"
"Britannia rules the
wave."
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair".
The Australian Federation Centenary Commemorative stamp has the song "Australia For Ever"
,
"Australia for Ever", a Federation Song dedicated to
the Australian Natives Association. Words & music by Henry F. Rix.
Interestingly, Australia
did not have a distinctive national flag of her own till 1908. At the first Olympic Games at
Athens in 1896, for example, Australia won two Gold medals, but no Australian
flag was available for the victory ceremony. Flustered officials did their best
– they raised the flag of Austria!
Four years later in Paris, an Australian victory was recognized by raising the British Union Jack.
BAHAMA
“March On, Bahamaland” is the national anthem of the Bahamas. Composed by Timothy Gibson and adopted in 1973. It exhorts:
“March on to glory, your bright banners waving
high…..”.
FIJI
“Blessing grant, O God of nations on the isles
of Fiji” and continues “As
we stand united under noble banner blue……”
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana”. Originally written and composed
by Philip Gbeho and adopted upon
independence in 1957. The current text was chosen some time after the 1966 coup
in Ghana. The lyric was written by Michael
Kwame Gbordzoe .
And
under God march on for evermore!
GHANA
"Raise high the flag of Ghana
And
one with Africa advance;
Black star of
hope and honour
To all who thirst for liberty;
Where the banner
of Ghana freely flies
May the way to freedom truly lie;
Arise, arise, O sons of
Ghanaland
The Maldive Islands
"Qaumii
Salaam" is the anthem of Maldive. The lyrics were
written by Muhammad Jameel Didi in
1948, and the melody was composed by Sri Lankan maestro Pandit Wannakuwattawaduge Don Amaradeva in 1972.
“We
salute you, with many good wishes in the national tongue,Bowing
the head in respect to the national symbol.
We
salute the flag that has such might ;
It
falls into the sphere of victory, fortune and success
With
its green and red and white together, and therefore we salute it”.
Pátria Amada is the National Anthem of Mozambique, it replaced Viva, Viva a FRELIMO in 2002. The chorus of the old anthem had the words ;
“Viva Mozambique,
Viva our Flag,
NAURU
"We all join in together to honour your flag,
And we shall rejoice together and say;
Nauru for evermore!
"Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice, reign,
In peace or battle honour'd
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children,
A banner without stain".
"This flag of the crescent and star
Leads the way to progress and perfection
Interpreter of our past, glory of our present
Inspiration of our future!
Symbol of the Almighty’s protection”.
"Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown!
Look at those stars that are waving on it:
This is the symbol of Jesus, who died on it for Samoa.
Oh, Samoa, hold fast your power forever.
Do not be afraid; God is our foundation, our freedom.
Samoa, arise: your flag is waving, your crown!
(Note: The Stars
referred to are those of the Southern
Cross- Crux Australis )
"Live forever in unity
Raise our flag
Together for all eternity
Join together all Seychellois".
ZAMBIA
The chorus states: “Free men we stand, under the flag of our land”.
There appears no other Anthem in the Commonwealth group of nations which has Flag reference.
However, a close study will reveal that there are also many "Patriotic Flag Songs" found expressions in the field of philately:
INDIA
“Vijayi bishwa tiranga pyara
( Winsome to the world is our
Tricolour dear
High may it soar is
our passionate prayer
)
- SHYAM LAL
GUPT “PARSHAD”
In South India amongst
Tamil spoken areas, Thayein
Mani Kodi Pareer the song of the poet
Subramania
Bharati
(1882 - 1921) was on everyone’s lips:
"Behold Our Mother’s Great Banner !
Under the flag-mast
are patriots
Loyal and
faithful
Ready to sacrifice
their very life
To keep the flag flying high.
Behold our mother’s great banner !
“Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja...” was
the regimental quick march of the Indian National Army. Composed by Ram Singh Thakur, the song is also currently the Regimental quick-march of the Indian Army.
"Hold your banner high
Plant it on the Red Fort
And let it fly for ever
Take all your steps forward....."
“O Canada !” is
the official national anthem. However, "The Maple Leaf Forever"
is a very popular Canadian national song written by Alexander
Muir (1830–1906) in 1867, the year of Canada's Confederation. The song was short listed for
adoption as the National Anthem but later ruled out because it was considered pro-British:
In
days of yore, from Britain's shore,And planted firm Britannia's flag
On Canada's fair domain
Here may it wave, our boast our pride
And, joined in love together
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwine
The Maple Leaf forever!
"The Maple Leaf Forever" is now the regimental
march of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and The Royal Westminster Regiment.
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