The compass was also invented in China, and records exist of how a great fleet was sent under the command of Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century to show the Chinese imperial flag in the ports of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, a fleet said to be the largest seen in the world up to that time.

CNN: Building On A Golden Age

Do you as a police officer, Ronald Hampton, in that situation, do you have to sort of show the flag for the police force and show that you're in charge?

NPR: Examining Protocol In Disorderly Conduct Cases

All three groups have to co-exist, but the events that began on 3 December with the Belfast city council vote on the union flag show that there are still difficulties for some in adjusting to the new realities, the report claims.

BBC: Northern Ireland has 'most difficult year' in decade

The gigantic red curtains behind the stage drew apart to show another even bigger screen, and pictures of them, swaying, waving the flag.

BBC: Crowd 'go wild' at Obama victory rally

They both separately contacted Andy Whittaker's breakfast show, saying the county needed a flag for the Nottinghamshire public to fly.

BBC: Nottinghamshire flag design unveiled