The Elite Guardians of Club Penguin are undoubtedly one of the most successful armies of the CPPS era. Throughout their existence, they have made extensive use of flags and other symbolism. Today, we will explore the history and meanings behind the Guardians’ flags and learn more about flags in general.

Designed by Dino

Flags and Army Identity

Flags are an essential part of geopolitics. Especially in terms of national identity, they play a crucial role. In this case, it would be more appropriate to refer to it as ‘army identity’. Nevertheless, flags can be a strong symbol indicating the connection of an individual to the greater group. This being part of something is essential for an army’s unity and also performance. Hence, flags have great potential in shaping the identity of an army, particularly in establishing a sense of pride. But also for the formation of hate against the foe, they can be effective.

Most times, flags are overlooked as just a small part that makes up the army as a whole. Usually disregarded, they are likely the first thing individuals will associate with and note about a particular army. Members of an army, often have been confronted by various means of symbolism used in such a context. They have likely felt the impact symbols can have in a community. Even for a community as small and niche as a Club Penguin army.

Applying this, we are now able to identify the importance of flags, also in CPA. And the many flags of the Elite Guardians of CP are no exception. For many years, they have made extensive use of flags and symbolisms. Diving into the history of their flags, we will be able to learn a lot about the army itself. And maybe in the end, it can raise the question of how it makes individual armies stand out.

First Flag (2017-2018)

Reconstruction of the first flag of the EGCP

The first flag of EGCP is a peculiar one, as it has only been officially a draft and has never been in actual use for long. It presents a silver base with a vignette surrounding it. A white backward fimbriation (diagonal line) divides the base. Very narrow stripes of red, almost invisible, decorate the borders of the fimbriation. The Coat of Arms of the Guardians is seen firmly placed atop the centre of the flag. An initial sketch made by Cookky2, the flag saw discontinuation not long after its first public use.

Second Flag (2018-2020)

Original of the second flag of the EGCP

The flag above is the first flag in use for a longer period. It was created by Guta in early 2018 after he joined the Guardians in their efforts. It shows a slight resemblance to the first flag, but with a change in design to now display a horizontal tricolour. The silver and white used in the first flag is still present. However, it includes the addition of a golden stripe on the top. Again, the coat of arms is placed atop the centre of the flag to round it off.

Symbolically, the flag was alternated in design and only slightly in colour. However the colours were not chosen simply by design, but because they bear strong meaning and symbolism. This is true, especially in honour of the structure of the army. Here, the silver represents the Guardians division, whereas the gold represents the Strikers division. The equally wide horizontal stripe in white is seen decorating the middle third of the flag. Representing unity between the two divisions, the meaning is further strengthened by the coat of arms on top.

As can be seen, this flag displays strong symbolism, applied to a simple design. It shows unity in division, encapsulating the structure of the army. Having a strong message displayed by a strong flag, it is likely why it stuck around for a long time. Even nowadays the flag can still be seen in many archives. It may be a relic of the past, but it is undoubtedly memorable. That is not least due to its wide usage in the past.

Third Flag (2023 – Present)

Original of the third and current flag of the EGCP

The third and current flag of the Elite Guardians was also created by Guta. He designed it shortly before the initial closure of the army in 2020. However, when the army reopened in 2023, the decision was made to change the original flag. As this design already existed and was deemed more appropriate, it came to be used by the second generation of the army, up until today.

You can see that it is almost the same, just with changed colours. Most notably, the silver has been changed to a vibrant blue. While less noticeable, the gold has been changed to a more present yellow. Generally, the colour changes make the flag a lot more vibrant. As well, the meaning has been changed slightly too. The yellow now represents the Bushido division, with the blue standing for the US division. Regardless, the general symbolism of the flag is kept true to its predecessor.

This flag perfectly shows some of the changes the EGCP has gone through throughout its closure. Especially the changed divisions are emphasised here. But with the flag barely changing in overall design, it brings over a strong message: ‘We may have reformed, but our unity stands with the same principles’. Analysing this, we can very well see the strong identity this flag holds.

War Flag

The current and only war flag of the EGCP

Not only do the Elite Guardians make use of an army flag, though. A very distinguishing feature in the world of Club Penguin army vexillology is their use of a designated war flag. Like the past two flags, the original creator of the flag is Guta. It shows an alternated Imperial German war flag. It is combined with the EGCP’s civil flag placed in the first quadrant. Additionally, the coat of arms is seen replacing the Prussian eagle in the off-centre.

Club Penguin Armies decided to reach out to Former Elite Guardians leader Guta regarding a statement about his creation

I’ve always been a massive history buff. Back in the day, I was particularly interested in the Belle Époque and the numerous states that existed in Europe at the time, particularly the German Empire and its army. It was a well-disciplined and strong fighting force that shook the cores of even the mightiest empires of the time. And this is what I always wanted in EGCP: discipline, might, boldness. […]

Through the discussion with Guta, he later added that it was also a homage to the flag of the Dark Knight Empire, which he led at the time. This flag was then created in the context of writing up a declaration of war.

Speaking of wartime, the use of flags in EGCP is also quite peculiar. While flags decorate sites and servers, they can be seen in many other places as well. For example, members are often encouraged to display either an army or war flag as the background of their Discord profile pictures. The use of flags in the EGCP fosters pride and unity under a shared identity.

Without a doubt, flags hold much more meaning and significance than many would assume – even in Club Penguin armies. In such a community, a strong message of unity and strength is important to portray towards your people and also others. Would you like to learn more about a few of the flags in CPA? Do you know the history and meaning behind your army’s flags?

Shinzō

Reporter in Training

More Information

Shinzō

Reporter in Training for the CPA and Head Journalist for the Gazeta Husarska. WH Monarch and former Emperor.