do you know why the union jack is flying today?

Answer 1

it flies every day. It is only significant when at half-mast (meaning someone has died)

Answer 2

The Union Flag is flying today? My god i'm surprised islamic extremist, catholic republican or PC do gooder hasnt ripped it down and burned it in case it offends someone.

To answer your question though. The Union Flag(its only called a jack on ships) is flying today because the crowns of Scotland and England united in 1707( i believe of the top of my head) to show this we merched both countries flags together. At a later date we invaded ireland and this is how the saint patricks cross was on it. Its flying today because the brave and honourable men and women in British history fought with pride for King/Queen and country to keep it flying a fight that today seems to have been in vain.

Answer 3

On which ship did you see the union jack flying.

Answer 4

The Union Flag is sometimes known as the Union Jack after its creator, James I of England, James VI of Scots. Jack comes from the Latin for James, Jacobus.

James became King of Scots at one year old when his mother Mary Queen of Scots was deposed by rebel Scottish Lords. James patiently waited another thirty-five years until his aunt, Elizabeth I of England died and he succeeded to the throne of England.

James wanted to unite his two kingdoms but the Parliaments of the two sovereign nations opposed it vigorously. James persistently asked his Parliaments to bring about a plan for union but they continually came up with objections. Meanwhile, James did what he could to effect a unification. Firstly, he declared himself ‘King of Great Britain’, a term he created for his new kingdom. James also minted a new coin, which could be used in either England or Scotland. He named it the ‘Unite’. It was worth five shillings in Sterling and three pounds in Scots. (The Scottish currency had been greatly devalued during James reign in Scotland).

Most importantly, James created the new flag overlaying the English cross of St George on the Scottish cross of St Andrew to form a new National Flag. He rejected other designs suggested by his advisors on the grounds that they were not ‘united’. The Union Flag was augmented in 1801 when Ireland became part of The United Kingdom.

James never saw the union of England and Scotland. His great granddaughter, Queen Anne, brought about the Union in 1707.

Answer 5

I agree it's probably a hang over from Commonwealth Day yesterday (and would we have known that was the name of the day, had it not been for Shilpa Shetty appearing with Her Maj.?) And, on another point of information, it is not the Union Flag that flies where that lady is in residence, it is the Royal Standard, quite a different kettle of fish.

Answer 6

First of all lets get the subject correct...........The Union.....What.? Lots of people call it the union jack.....I don't know how this come about because our flag is only called a jack when its flown on the jack staff on the bow of a ship ..........Otherwise it is called a flag,,,The union flag........So now we have settled that.......the next part of your question.........Where is the union flag flying.........Then we can possible give you the answer you want........(Lesson for today)

Answer 7

beacause (Northern) Ireland, Scotland and England are still a union (the flag's a stylized amalgamation of the the three flags)..

presumably if Scotland acheive independence in the upcoming referendum - perhaps they'll have to change that.

Answer 8

It is flown today above Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Sandringham when The Queen is not in residence

Answer 9

If its flying on top of Windsor castle, it means the Queens at home.

Answer 10

If it's on the palace then it means the Queen is at home. Half Mast means some tradegy's happened (I.E someone's died)