The Austrian flag is composed of three equal sized horizontal stripes.
The top bar is red, the middle is white and the bottom stripe is red.
Usually when people look at their national flag there are emotional reactions of pride and respect. It may evoke memories of those who gave up their lives to protect the rights and values that the flag represents.
The Austrian and Danish flags are thought to be among the oldest designs of any national flags in the world.
There is a legend that says that Duke Leopold IV of Austria was fighting in a battle during the Crusades and after the fight his “battle dress was soaked in blood.” When he later took off his belt the clothing beneath it was white with not a drop of blood. This was believed to be the reason for the red, white, red pattern of the flag.
Currently the white on this flag signifies the peace and honesty that most Austrians aspire to. Red stands for the bravery, valor and strength of the Austrian people in periods of oppression and unrest.
As in many other countries, when Austrians gaze at their flag in the breeze it inspires respect and gratitude for those who have suffered and died for the ideals that the flag represents.