Flag Day in Canada

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Today is National Flag of Canada Day.

The idea is to be proud of our flag and reflect on its origins.

The flag, as we know it today, flew over Parliament Hill for the first time on this day in 1965.

Our previous flag was the Canadian Red Ensign which had been around since the 1890s.

The Heritage Canada website says in June 1964, Prime Minister Lestor Pearson presented his proposed flag to the House of Commons, which started a huge debate that went three months without resolution.

The question of a flag was then referred to the all-party Special Committee on a Canadian Flag, which came up with three choices: three red maple leaves with blue bars (nicknamed the "Pearson Pennant"); a flag with a single stylized red maple leaf on a white square with red bars; and another version that contained both the Union Jack and three fleurs-de-lis.

Option 2 won out, and the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to take effect on February 15, 1965.

Ooops... wrong flag!

I'm aware of what a huge debate it was at the time, but it seems so unreal. I love our flag. I think it's unique, and very striking. I can't even imagine a different flag.

BEST FLAG EVER!!


-J.


P.S. HAPPY FLAG DAY!!!

At the time I was solidly behind the Red Ensign, but that's because I was a kid and parroting what I heard around me. I certainly wouldn't go back now. It's a nice calm flag, less of the drama than others. Says peace to me. Dunno about the Maple Leaf as a symbol of Canada, it doesn't really carry much weight here in the west, but what else could they have used?

And when we legalize pot, we can change that leaf and the flag won't look much different. Somebody was thinking ahead.

As a mad monarchist, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the Red Ensign. But I love the Maple Leaf and what it symbolizes. Happy Flag Day!

"The Maple Leaf Forever"