On January 28, 1965, the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by her Majesty Queen Elizebeth II to take effect on February 15, 1965. This marks the day when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and indeed, hundred of communities across Canada.
In 1925 and again in 1946, Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King tried to get a national flag of Canada adopted, and failed. In 1964, Prime Minister Lester Pearson appointed a 15-member, all-party committee to come up with the design of a new flag for Canada. The inspiration for a red and white flag with a single maple leaf came from Dr. George Stanley, Dean of Arts at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario.
In his speech at the national flag inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Lester Pearson said: “Under this Flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land”.
This red and white flag honours Canadians from all cultures and ethnic backgrounds who through their courage and determination have contributed to building this great nation we call home. Although simple in design, Canada’s flag reflects common values such as freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance that we dearly share.
With pride we hold our flag high. Let us always be reminded how privileged we are to live in this magnificent country where we can pass down to our children great hope and a great future.
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