Flag of Malta source of the Maltese colours, inspiring the red and white shield used during the British colonial period. The George Cross originally appeared on the flag placed on a blue canton (see List of flags of Malta). The flag was changed on 21 September 1964 with Malta's independence when the blue canton was replaced by a red fimbriation the intention being that the Cross appear less prominent. The civil ensign shows a red field, bordered white and charged with a blank Maltese cross. Flag of Malta The flag of Malta () is a basic bi-colour, with white in the hoist and
Flag of Zakynthos colour as the central image. The flag flies throughout the island and is flown above every public building, often in tandem with the national flag of Greece. Flag of Zakynthos The flag of Zakynthos, Greece, or Flag of Zante, has a dark green background with an orange depiction of Zakynthos, the mytho-historical first resident of the island and its namesake, in the centre. Zakynthos, partially draped in a robe, is sitting on rock holding a semi-coiled snake to the right. Zakynthos (ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΣ) is written to the upper right of the man, with the island's motto ""Freedom needs virtue and courage""