Preview
Creation Date
1-1-2025
Description
United Kingdom | Grand Forks, ND
Lewis Archer
Naturalized in 2007
Photographic portrait documenting Lewis Archer's participation in the Constitution Day project.
The United Kingdom Flag - The flag of the United Kingdom is the Union Jack and represents the uniting of the crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Each cross is a national symbol of each nation. The red vertical and horizontal red cross in the center is the Cross of St. George, representing England, the diagonal red cross is the cross of St. Patrick, representing Ireland, and the diagonal white cross is the cross of St. Andrew, representing Scotland. Although Ireland is no longer a part of the UK, Northern Ireland remains, thus, the Cross of St. Patrick is still relevant. Of note, the nation of Wales is not represented in the flag.
Scarf - Football is generally considered the national sport of England, and the English Premier League is one of the most valuable sporting leagues in the world. Unlike American leagues, English football uses a pyramid system in which teams are promoted and relegated between divisions, significantly raising the competition stakes. This scarf represents Norwich City Football Club, which represents the city in which I was born and the greater county of Norfolk, where I lived. In recent years, Norwich has been considered a “yo-yo team,” with cyclical short-lived promotions to the Premier League followed by quick relegations back to the lower Championship division, where they reside today. The team is known as the Canaries, due to a history of canary-breeding in the city. The other symbols on the shield include Norwich Castle and a lion, which is found on many coats of arms.
Teapot - This represents the quintessentially British tradition of tea consumption. Its popularity was a result of imperial expansion, resulting in the capture of global regions where the plant is grown. “Putting the kettle on” is often an automatic response when inviting guests into the home, proving its value as a social tool, though many also use a “tea break” as an opportunity during the day to rest and reflect.