The standard British pronunciation has only three syllables [seck-ruh-tree]. The US pronunciation has four [seck-ruh-ter-ry]. Note that the pronunciation [seck-ertree] is considered wrong.
Green expresses hope. White symbolizes peace. It is said that the saltire may have been based on the former flag of Belgian airline, Sabena. Red represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence. Effective date: 27 September 1982.