Scotland’s government is hauling down the Union flag. Until now, Britain’s oddly modernist, crazy-paving national banner has flown on state buildings whenever there is a special occasion or anniversary — the Queen’s birthday, for example. Henceforth, it will fly only once a year, on Remembrance Sunday, our version of Veterans Day.

To put this in perspective, the rainbow flag will fly from Scottish state buildings four times as often: to mark gay pride marches in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as the start of LGBT History Month on Feb. 1, and the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17.