Flag of The North American Socialist Commonwealth

Flag of the North American Socialist Commonwealth

Name	The Sapphire Star
Use	Civil and state flag
Proportion	1:2
Adopted	Adopted as a revolutionary icon, 13. October. 2030. Adopted as an official national flag, 15. April. 3031
Design	A white hammer and gear on the canton, and a single large white star in the center of a flag with a royal blue background.

The national flag of The North American Socialist Commonwealth. It is comprised of a white Hammer & Gear in the canton, and a large white Star over a deep blue background. It is called the Sapphire Star.

History

The first time the Sapphire Star was known to be displayed was during the revolution. It was also the same time that the Commissar became enshrined as a revolutionary hero. It was during this event that the Commissar walked into a clash between more militant revolutionaries and police forces. In the clash, The Commissar served as a great inspiration in the midst of the battle, waving around a flag he carried, a blue banner with a white star. Though the man was shot down during the combat, others took up the banner, and managed to beat back government authorities, even military authorities. This clash was later found to be instrumental in the eventual collapse of the government. Shortly after the event, The Commissar, and more importantly the Sapphire Star became symbols of the revolution, the combination of which TYS used to maximum effect. The flag was adopted by the Provisional Government and has been the Commonwealth's flag ever since.

Symbolism

The symbolic power of the Sapphire Star is relatively simple. The white star is meant to represent the nation, an ever burning light, no matter how dark the night gets, and a ray of hope. The Hammer and Gear represent the productive power of the Commonwealth, and the industriousness of its people. The color combination, royal blue and white is meant as an alternative to the red and gold of typically socialist flags, for a new and democratic socialist state.

Display and Etiquette

The Sapphire Star is displayed on almost all government buildings, and is a frequently flown by citizens. Display of the Sapphire Star is generally restricted to daylight hours, except if one can keep a light source on the flags. Flags are supposed to be kept relatively clean, intact, and otherwise in good form. Additionally, flags are not supposed to touch the ground, especially in the case of military flags. In the event a flag must be retired, it is to be put to the torch after a brief ceremony.

Variations

Civil and Government

Flag	Date	Use	Description
	2030-Current	Civil and Government Flag	The default flag, used by civilians and government officials alike.
File:NASCVertFlag.png	2035-Current	Government Flag	A vertical version of the default flag. This flag is seen hanging on government buildings.

Military

Flag	Date	Use	Description
File:NASCMartialFlag.png	2035-Current	Military Flag	Used by CODFOR and (to a lesser extent) CIDFOR from 2035 until shortly after the opening. Still used by CIDFOR. Also considered a naval ensign.
File:NASCNewMartialFlag.png	2050-Current	Military Flag	Used by CODFOR from 2050 until the current day. Also used as a naval ensign.
File:NASCNavyJack.png	2035-Current	Naval Jack	Used by the Commonwealth Navy as a Naval Jack, unless an Admiral is present on ship.
File:NASCAdmiral'sJack.png	2035-Current	Admiral's Jack	Used in the Commonwealth Navy as an Admiral's replacement Jack for the flagship of a fleet.

Historical

Flag	Date	Use	Description
File:USAFlag.png	1777-2030 (Still sees ceremonial use)	Ceremonial Flag	Flag of the Pre-Revolutionary United States. Still sees use during memorial services and on the graves of USAF veterans.
File:TYS1stFlag.png	2028-February. 2030	Revolutionary Flag	The first flag used by an The Young Socialists. Did not see widespread use outside this circle.
File:TYS2ndFlag.png	February. 2030-October. 2030	Revolutionary Flag	The second flag used by The Young Socialists. Saw limited use along the East Coast.