For some reason I found myself reading the US national anthem (and singing it!). The lyrics are quite powerful, and revolve largely around the flag. The anthem is also something of a charter, something that people look to for direction on their national character (land of the free, home of the brave, etc).
The NZ anthem, that I guess most kiwis only know the first verse of, also contains some stirring lines and could also act as a point of reference for national character.
The little known third verse states – “Peace, not war, shall be our boast,” and “Let our cause be just and right, God defend New Zealand.”
Other gems include “Give us plenty, give us peace”; “Preaching love and truth to man”; and:
“May our mountains ever be
Freedom’s ramparts on the sea”.