February 15 is Canada's national flag day. The flag design was adopted by parliament and the flag raised officially on Feb. 15, 1964. So the flag is officially 60 years old.
Through the late 50's and early 60's there was a hot debate in parliament about what flag we should have. Many politicians and people wanted to keep the old red ensign. However , after many designs were submitted the red maple leaf with 2 red bars down each side was accepted.
The official flag raising was on Feb. 15 , 1964.
To me this was a day in your life that is special and you remember it until the end of your life.
In 1964 I was teaching in the Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in Inuvik. About 1000 kids were enrolled in the school at that time. We all went out to the front of the school where the flag pole was and a large brass monument of three rings representing three groups of people. It was a clear day that was bitterly cold.
We had a very active cadet group and they proudly stood on guard while short speeches were made and then the flag was raised. All through this time I was watching the poor cadets as their ears gradually froze. I was hoping things would end so the kids could get back in the school.
As Canadians we have been somewhat laid back about patriotic issues. Lately, Pres. Trump had put a fire under us with his comments and we are becoming much more patriotic.
However, I still look back to the day when I was present at the flag rising.
A day to be justifiably proud...when you walked free from the "Butcher's Apron".
ReplyDeleteIndependence was a long road.
DeleteWhat is the Butcher's Apron?
ReplyDeleteI am glad that some good has come from the chaos here...it seems to be really unifying a lot of nations.
And sadly one nation is being torn apart.
DeleteAnd never mind...I've just been off to read about the Butcher's Apron. I understand now.
ReplyDeleteThanks Red for the history lesson on your flag. Hope the cadets recovered! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt's funny some of the things that stay in your mind.
DeleteAn interesting read, thanks for sharing Red. This is my first visit to your blog, I've noticed your name on mutual blog friends comments and wanted to see who you were. Most impressive. PS As an American who detests all things Trump, it's wonderful to read how his lamebrained actions are pulling you guys together. I'm close to making a run for our border like our draft dodgers in the late 60s early 70s.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in to visit Hiawatha House. We all have to begin pushing back.
DeleteTrump is so ignorant that he probably had no idea that his arrogant overtures would have the effect of strengthening Canadian patriotism. Like your national anthem says -
ReplyDeleteO Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
Many of the things Trump is bringing in are not coordinated and when things crash it will be tough to reorganize the country.
DeleteI was too young to remember February 15, 1964, I enjoyed reading your memory. Our Canadian Flag is so very simple in appearance yet it speaks volumes! True North Strong and Free!
ReplyDeleteWell, I was in the true north to watch the flag raised.
DeleteI was still in school and don't remember any sort of ceremony.
ReplyDeleteBTW there was also an Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in the county where I taught.
Since we were a government town the celebration was easy. We had, Navy , RCMP and federal civil servants.
DeleteI have vague memories of that day! One can imagine the cold of mid February! So Canadian though!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was about as Canadian as it gets.
DeleteI'm ashamed of how our current president has been treating Canada. I'm glad that the Canadian government is standing up to him.
ReplyDeleteHappy Flag Day!
In reality , he is treating American citizens very poorly. My daughter is an American so I hear more than the average Canadian.
DeleteIt's a handsome flag! I can imagine how cold everyone was standing outside in February.
ReplyDeleteWe would get many very cold days but we dressed for it. The cadets wanted to wear their uniforms.
Delete1964, thanks for the history of your flag!
ReplyDelete60 years goes by in a hurry.
DeleteIt is sad to me that Canadians are now booing our US National Anthem at hockey matches, but I perfectly understand why.
ReplyDeleteThe booing doesn't get to the right place. The American people are not to blame. Also, my daughter is an American.
DeleteI've always liked your flag, Happy Flag Day!
ReplyDeleteOur flag is different.
DeleteI didn't live in this country when the new flag was raised for the first time but I remember hearing about it on the BBC. We are seeing the Maple Leaf flown a lot these days, thanks to Mr Trump.... probably the only thing we have to thank him for.
ReplyDeleteCanadians have always been rather smug about their patriotism.
DeleteThanks for this reminder
ReplyDeleteThere was debate about the flag at that time.
DeleteI remember my art prof entering a work into the completion that was held for the public to submit their ideas for a new Canadian Flag. His was a bizarre abstract thing that was very colourful but very abstract! Difficult to visualize but multi cultural I suppose!
ReplyDelete