Flag of Montreal

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The Flag of Montreal was first displayed in May 1939, and is based on the city's coat of arms. Its proportions are 2:1 (twice as broad as it is long).

The red heraldic cross represents the "Christian motives and principles which governed the founders of the city," according to the city's official web site. Some claim it is Saint George's cross, used to commemorate a visit to Montréal by King George VI.

The four floral emblems represent the four main European ethnic groups that initially settled the city. Clockwise from top left, they are:

The fleur de lys, of the Royal House of Bourbon, representing the French settlers, the first European inhabitants of the Island of Montreal.
A Lancastrian rose, representing the English.
A shamrock, representing the Irish.
A thistle, representing the Scottish.

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