The Official Icon The fundamental colors of the flag, as previously stated, are white and red. The white cross in the middle of the flag has equal-length arms. The red stripe down the center of the white cross represents Switzerland's blood stain: the battle-scarred landscape of this country was once covered with thousands of these crosses. Other colors appear in the icon, but they are merely accents. The blue circle with a white five-pointed star in the center stands for freedom and peace. The yellow sun with black rays rising from its center is meant to symbolize sunlight and power. And the green tree with white branches and leaves represents nature and vegetation. The colors of the flag were chosen by public vote in 2002. Previously, the flag was white with a red cross on it (since 1858). Switzerland has no official national anthem, but there are several popular songs that are used as anthems by various groups. The most famous of these songs is "O Suisse, ouest-europeen" ("O Switzerland, western European"), which was written in 1852 by Michel Carré and Paul de Musset. This song is often used at international sporting events when Switzerland is participating.