Canadian flag flies high at 50

February 11, 2015 · 0 Comments

Our bold Canadian flag, beautiful in its simplicity, and known across nations as synonymous with peace and good-will, flies high and proud this week as it turns 50 years old. At its induction on February 15th, 1965, the Speaker of the Senate called it “a symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion.”
For nearly two hundred years, the red maple leaf has been an icon of Canadian identity. From First Nation’s discovery of its sweet sap, to the uniforms of our brave soldiers, and on the back packs of adventurous young travellers, it has stood the test of time as representative of the best that is Canadian. Heritage Canada reminds us that the maple leaf was suggested as the Canadian emblem as early as 1834 and was adopted, as such, in 1860 at a public meeting in Toronto and integrated into the festive décor for a visit from the Prince of Wales that year. Seven year later, Alexander Muir composed the “Maple Leaf Forever” and the symbol was forever engraved in our hearts and national consciousness. Red and white first appeared as Canadian colours in the General Service Medal issued by Queen Victoria and in 1921 King George V approved them as Canada’s official colours in the royal arms.
The birth of our flag, as we know it, came after a rather long, slow labour. The first attempt at establishing a Canadian flag was in 1925 when a committee of the Privy Council began a design search. However, their work was never completed and the task was not taken up again until 1946, when despite the submission of over 2600 designs, the plans never got off the ground. But in 1964, with the centennial of Confederation fast approaching, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, looking to encourage national unity, pushed for a national flag and a Senate and House of Commons Committee called for submissions.
After eliminations, it was the essential concept of Dr. George Stanley, of red-white-red stripes with a central maple leaf, based on the historical importance of the colours and emblem that was proclaimed as the winning design. It was approved by the House of Commons, followed by the Senate, in December of 1964; proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth II and inaugurated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965. In attendance at the ceremony were Governor General Georges Vanier and Prime Minister Pearson along with thousands of Canadians singing O’ Canada eager to see the new symbol of pride and unity rise to the top of the national flag pole.
And so it is that a humble leaf from the mighty maples, which at once symbolize the beauty and enduring strength of our nation and the quiet simplicity of our rural beginnings, graces the silks that flutter in breezes across our nation…long may it wave.

By Marni Walsh