The traditional pronunciation is like covered except that it ends with a t sound, but an alternative pronunciation [koh-vert], in which the second syllable rhymes with Bert is increasingly heard, especially in contexts of espionage and other clandestine activities.
Black and red recall the tunics worn by soldiers during the Napoleonic wars. Gold was added to create a flag similar to the French tricolour, a symbol of revolution. Effective date: 23 May 1949.