Do you know that Canada despite its stature as a nation only had a symbol etched into the Canadian consciousness only on February 15, 1965, that makes it 43 years old today? Yes, it may be hard to decipher why, but that is the truth. The first sighting of the
Canadian flag was made on the appointed day, the red and white maple leaf made its rise into history as it flew over Parliament Hill, and everyday henceforth.
Why and how was the flag developed? The flag has transformed all barriers and united Canada today, but 43 years ago it caused a rift between families, the various ethnic groups and even the political parties. Credit should go to Judge John Matheson, a liberal Member of Parliament who headed the committee that eventually drafted the flag design in 1964. The Prime Minister then Lester B. Pearson favored the design involving three red maple leaf with three vertical blue stripes on either side.
In the end, the preferred design of the Conservatives - the British flavored Red Ensign which also served as the flag under which the Canadian soldiers fought during the second World War, was finally adapted as the official national emblem. Despite furious debate on the issue of flag design, the motion was passed on December 15, 1964 and subsequently approved by the Queen and the Maple Leaf was finally hoisted over Parliament Hill.
True to its purpose the flag united the people of Canada, it flew over the graves of soldiers who gave their lives in World War II and it makes you feel proud as a citizen and humbled over the experience of having the symbol in our midst.
by:
The Flagman
