Summary

Empire Day Flap used in Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1936

Empire Day was first introduced in 1905 to promote loyalty among the dominion countries of the British Empire. Celebrated on 24 May, Queen Victoria's birthday, it was directed especially at school children. Teachers were encouraged to promote special steps to develop a feeling of pride in the British Empire and the achievements of the British race. Often a morning of short addresses, recitations and patriotic songs such as 'Rule Britannia' and 'Advance Australia' was followed by a half-day holiday to mark the celebration of Australia's strong ties to the British Empire.

Physical Description

British flag. Flag consists of a rectangular piece of canvas with the British flag design on it, below the design the word EMPIRE DAY is printed in white ink on a red background. Flag is attached to a narrow stick.

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