Calgary's Southeast Spotlights a 'War Flag': A Teachable Moment on National Symbols

Driving through Southeast Calgary, a keen-eyed resident recently caught a glimpse of a familiar national symbol displayed in an unexpectedly striking way: the Philippine flag, but with its crimson red stripe flying above the royal blue. While perhaps an innocent oversight, for the Philippines, this inverted display isn't merely a design faux pas – it's a declaration of a state of war.

For many Calgarians, especially those without a direct connection to the Philippines, this might just be a curiosity. But within the vibrant Filipino community here, such a display, however unintentional, carries significant weight. In peacetime, the Philippine flag proudly shows its royal blue stripe, symbolizing peace, truth, and justice, above the crimson red, which represents patriotism, valor, courage, and heroism. To see these colours flipped sends a powerful, albeit unintended, message of conflict. It’s a stark reminder that national flags are far more than just fabric; they are profound canvases of history, values, and identity.

Here in Calgary, a city that prides itself on its diversity and multicultural tapestry, the respectful display of national symbols is more than just good etiquette. Our own City of Calgary's "Flags and symbols" guidelines underscore that all flags are "symbols of honour and pride" and must be "displayed in a respectful way." The City’s protocols, aligning with those of Alberta and Canada, implicitly demand correct orientation to uphold this respect. An incorrect display, while not causing a direct cost in dollars or time delays, could inadvertently foster cultural insensitivity or misunderstanding within our communities, potentially causing "serious concern" even if it begins as a chuckle for some. This incident, while a minor chuckle for the original spotter, offers a valuable moment to reflect on the deep meanings behind global symbols right here on our streets.

Of course, not everyone agrees on the level of scrutiny such incidents warrant. Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal, in past discussions about flag policy, has argued against limiting flag displays, suggesting it could "create more divisions in our society than it's going to help," adding that "We got better things to do. We shouldn't be fighting over flags." This perspective highlights the balance between strict adherence to protocol and fostering an inclusive environment where minor errors are seen as just that – minor errors, not diplomatic incidents.

Ultimately, this localized glimpse of an internationally significant symbol serves as a prompt for all Calgarians. In a city where cultures from around the globe converge, understanding the nuances of national flags is part of being a good neighbour and a respectful citizen. It ensures that the messages we inadvertently send—or see being sent—align with the peace and harmony we strive for, rather than an unintended declaration of war on a quiet Southeast street.