A different kind of National Flag Day this year?
Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson introduced Canadians to their new flag on February 15, 1965.
The now-iconic red maple leaf was designed by history professor George Stanley of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, who later went on to become the 25th Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and lived to be 95 years old. (George wasn’t related to Lord Stanley, who gave his name to the hockey cup.)
Sixty years ago today the Maple Leaf flag replaced the Canadian red ensign, versions of which had represented Canada since 1867. Since then, our flag has represented Canada around the world in everything from our armed forces to our athletes to the patches on our backpacks.
But today, facing a new world order in which a certain US president has recently threatened (or promised?) to make Canada the 51st state, has the Maple Leaf flag taken on new meaning?
The flying of flags as a means to spur on patriotism has a checkered history, and Canada is no exception.
Here in the village, and elsewhere, the flag is flown outside the Village Office and the fire hall; at the beach as in the accompanying photo, and outside of private homes. It represents Canada in athletic endeavours, such as at the Invictus Games currently underway, and of course at every hockey game.
But it was also embraced as a symbol for the Freedom Convoy to protest Covid-19 vaccines in 2022.
And while BC Premier Dave Eby gave a well-received speech about the long ties between Canadians and Americans at the opening ceremonies to the Invictus Games, the Maple Leaf symbol becoming common in grocery stores and other retail outlets as more people wish to 'buy Canadian' as a way to push back against the levying of international tariffs and threats of manifest destiny from our American neighbours.
Still, since 1965, the Canadian flag has welcomed new immigrants to Canada, has flown above our embassies around the world, is flown at half-mast in times of mourning and in times of conflict has always been a symbol for people seeking help.
What does the Canadian flag mean to you?
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