Canada Adopts Maple Leaf Flag
On February 15, 1965, Canada officially adopted the red and white maple leaf flag as its national emblem, a significant moment in the country’s identity and history. The flag, designed by George Bist, Jacques St. Cyr, and Gunter Wyszechi, was approved by the Canadian parliament a month earlier, marking a departure from the traditional British Union Jack that had represented Canada for much of its history. The maple leaf has long been a symbol of Canada, rooted in colonial traditions and the early practices of European settlers who collected sap from native maple trees. By the 19th century, it had become synonymous with Canadian identity, inspiring songs like "The Maple Leaf Forever."
The flag was officially raised for the first time in ceremonies led by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and Governor General Georges Vanier on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In 1995, on the flag's 30th anniversary, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien declared February 15 as Flag Day, emphasizing the flag's importance as a shared emblem that reflects values of freedom, peace, and tolerance. The maple leaf flag symbolizes not only the geography and history of Canada but also honors the diverse contributions of all Canadians in shaping the nation.
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Canada Adopts Maple Leaf Flag
Canada Adopts Maple Leaf Flag
On February 15, 1965, the familiar red and white maple leaf flag of Canada officially became the country's national flag. Designed by George Bist, Jacques St. Cyr, and Gunter Wyszechi, the flag was approved by the Canadian parliament on December 17, 1964, to take effect on February 15 of the following year. The official ceremonies were held that day in the capital city of Ottawa on Parliament Hill, with Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and Governor General Georges Vanier presiding over the event.
The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since colonial times. Maple trees grow in northern climates such as Canada's, and sugar maples produce a highly prized sweet sap that is used in pancake syrup and other food products. The early European settlers adopted the American Indian custom of collecting maple sap every spring, and the distinctive and decorative leaves of the tree became an emblem of Canada. By the 19th century the maple leaf was commonly regarded as symbolic of all things Canadian; in 1867 Alexander Muir wrote “The Maple Leaf Forever” as the national song for the Canadian confederation. However, since Canada was still nominally a British dependency well into the 20th century, a Canadian flag distinct from the traditional British Union Jack was not introduced until the 1960s.
On the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the maple leaf flag, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued a decree establishing February 15 as Flag Day. The text of his speech that day, set forth below, echoed the sentiments of millions of Canadians:
At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time. The flag belongs to all Canadians; it is an emblem we all share. Although simple in design, Canada's flag well reflects the common values we hold so dear: freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance. . . . The maple leaf flag pays homage to our geography, reflects the grandeur of our history and represents our national identity. Our flag thus honours Canadians of all origins who, through their courage and determination, have helped to build and are continuing to build our great country. . . . Let us be proud of our flag! Let us recognize how privileged we are to live in Canada, this magnificent country that encompasses our history, our hopes, our future.