New Buchannan St Davids Flagpole Installation

**O'Neille** · 1st March 07, 05:35 PM

So with all of the St. David's day celebrations I decided to finish an old project. I had previously installed the foundation and only had to finish installing the flagpole, hardware and lighting. I also received a Buchannan Kilt yesterday and it fits so well I decided to wear it today instead of my Pride of Wales kilt that has somehow gotten too small since I quit tobacco.

Power tools on a ladder. No Scotch yet!

The front w/ flagpole (notice the shirt)

The pleats w/ flagpole

The Flags, I included a light for flying them at night and it also serves as a good guide for visitors.

Another shot of the flags, The pole is 24' high.

**Chaplain Harris** · 1st March 07, 05:41 PM

I almost posted, good job on the pole, however that would make people wonder about what kind of chaplain I am! Just wonderin, is that a welsh tartan?

**O'Neille** · 1st March 07, 05:52 PM

Nope, Buchannan around Loch Lomond and originally from Ulster. Historians correct me if I've fouled it up. O'Neille

**McClef** · 1st March 07, 06:24 PM

I nearly ordered a Buchanan in Edinburgh but the Ancient Caledonian just pipped it to the post!

Great to see the Draig Coch flag flying!

It's still St David's Day in the US so hope you are having a great day!

**ccga3359** · 1st March 07, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

Great to see the Draig Coch flag flying!

Okay I have to ask, as I English. I have heard of the legend of St George slaying the dragon. The Welsh appear to have the above mentioned flag and I've also seen many a flag with the red dragon on a yellow background. My question is, were the Welsh cheering for the dragon?

**Eujeankilt** · 1st March 07, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by O'Neille

Another shot of the flags, The pole is 24" high.

You ought to make it taller, someone might trip over it. Maybe 10 or 20 (or 24 feet ) tall

Dale

**O'Neille** · 2nd March 07, 12:44 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

I nearly ordered a Buchanan in Edinburgh but the Ancient Caledonian just pipped it to the post!

Great to see the Draig Coch flag flying!

It's still St David's Day in the US so hope you are having a great day!

I did have a great night. Just got in. Post some pictures of your Ancient Calendonian. I couldn't keep the ladies away from the Buchannan tonight. O'Neille

**McClef** · 2nd March 07, 03:29 AM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Okay I have to ask, as I English. I have heard of the legend of St George slaying the dragon. The Welsh appear to have the above mentioned flag and I've also seen many a flag with the red dragon on a yellow background. My question is, were the Welsh cheering for the dragon?

Of course they were:

"Although this flag was only officially adopted in 1958, it and versions of it have been in use for centuries in Wales. Largely it symbolizes the resistance and freedom of the Welsh people dating back as far as the Welsh Prince Cadwaladr in the 12th century who fought the attacks of England's Henry II despite having been blinded."

However it should be noted that the St George dragon is usually depicted as a green one so it's only a relative of our red one.

The pics of the Ancient Caledonian will have to wait as I have a 4-6 week jonesing for its arrival.

**macwilkin** · 2nd March 07, 04:31 AM

Here's a nice history of the Red Dragon of Wales:

http://www.data-wales.co.uk/flag.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/history/sites/flag/

The first web site does mention the old legend of the red dragon of Wales and the white dragon of the Saxons:

The ancient poets Aneirin and Taliesin use the Welsh word for dragon "draig" in the sense of "warrior" or "leader" and this usage remained to the Middle Ages. In the Historia Brittonum (ascribed to Nennius) of around 800 A.D. the dragon is seen as a symbol of national independence in the story of the red dragon battling with the white dragon of the Saxon enemy.

Cheers,

Todd

**McClef** · 2nd March 07, 04:44 AM

The reference to Saxons is interesting as they appear in the song Men of Harlech:

Men of Harlech! In the hollow,
Do ye hear like rushing billow
Wave on wave that surging follow
Battle's distant sound?
'Tis the tramp of Saxon foemen,
Saxon spearmen, Saxon bowmen,
Be they knights or hinds or yeomen,
They shall bite the ground!
Loose the folds asunder,
Flag we conquer under!
The placid sky now bright on high,
Shall launch its bolts in thunder!
Onward! 'tis the country needs us,
He is bravest, he who leads us
Honour's self now proudly heads us,
Freedom, God and right!

(these are the usual words, the ones used in the film Zulu were written by Ifor Emmanuel.)