Flag of Meritia

Flag of the Empire of Meritia

Use	National flag and ensign
Proportion	3:5
Adopted	7 September 2021
Design	A vertical tricolor of light blue, white, and light green with a black two-headed eagle in the center
Use	Civil flag
Proportion	3:5
Design	A vertical tricolor of light blue, white, and light green
Use	War flag
Proportion	3:5
Design	A vertical tricolor of light green, white, and light blue

The flag of the Empire of Meritia is the National State Flag of the Empire of Meritia. It was adopted on 7 September 2021 as the first National Symbol of Meritia, and has been popularized in the nation ever since as the most iconic of its symbols. Following its creation was the Civil Flag of Meritia, which features the same design without the iconic two-headed eagle in the center, making it easy to draw and use among the civilian population as opposed to the Government design. Meritia’s War Flag was created on 7 March 2022, and has the design of the regular State Flag, however with the order of the colors switched. An “alternate” War Flag is also mentioned in the Flag Protocol Act, and has been used for the Military Occupation of areas during wartime. This design is the same as the regular War Flag, however similarly to the Civil Flag of Meritia, does not feature an eagle in the center. The State Flag of Meritia is also used as the country’s official Naval Ensign.

Flag Protocol

In accordance with the Flag Protocol Act, passed by Meritia on 2 January 2023, the national flag of Meritia as well as the Civil, War, and Special War Flags, were all given specifications regarding their display and use. All flags are to be flown from 7:00 AM MGT (EST) until sunset, unless flying on an area not daily administered by Meritia, to which it is to be raised 24/7 to fly in right of the Federal Government. If a flag mentioned in the Act becomes damaged or overly worn, then it shall be retired by the government, which is to be done through a burning ceremony.

Retirement Protocol

To be retired from service, the flag of Meritia is to be tri-folded one final time, a fire is to be lit to dispose of the damaged flag, following which it is to be placed into the fire, and all in presence shall salute the flag and remain silent until it has fully burnt up. During military burnings, a “somber bugle call” may also be played at the burning.

National Mourning

During a period of National Mourning, which is either established through law or declared by the Emperor/Minister of Meritia, the flag is to be ordered at half-mast, and all are to fly it to this standard. During the raising and lowering of a flag during a somber period, the bugle call “Taps” will also be played rather than the typical calls of “Reveille” and “To the Colors”, used on normal time by the military. Flags shall remain at half-mast until the period of mourning has ended, during which time they may be returned to their regular standards.

Other Protocols

Also established by the Flag Protocol Act are the following additional standards. The Meritian Flag, when flown on a flagpole, must always be the highest flag flying on the pole, or any surrounding poles, without any exception. No other nation’s flag law may overrule this policy when the Meritian Flag is on display. During the Emperor’s stay at a territory of Meritia, the Imperial Standard is also to be flown, just below that of the Meritian Flag. This is also to be the same for both the Minister and Deputy Minister of Meritia. All Military Forts of Meritia are to fly the Meritian Military Forces Flag if possible, and may also fly a Branch Flag to denote which branch of administration the specific military base is under the administration of.