February 2023 issue online

27
National Flag of Canada Day is observed annually
on February 15, commemorating the inauguration
of the Flag of Canada on that date in 1965.
The day is marked by flying the flag, occasional
public ceremonies, and educational programs in
schools.
“The flag is the 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,” declared the Speaker of the
Senate at the Inauguration of the new flag in 1965.
On February 15, 1965, our national flag was
raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. Canada
was just two years away from centennial celebrations
when the maple leaf flag was made official
by Royal Proclamation. In 1996, February 15 was
declared National Flag of Canada Day and has
been observed every year since.
The Maple Leaf flag replaced the Canadian Red
Ensign, which had been, with various successive
alterations, in conventional use as a Canadian national
flag since 1868. Under the leadership of
Prime Minister Lester Pearson, resolutions recommending
the new flag were passed by the House
of Commons on December 15, 1964, and by the
Senate two days later.
The flag, designed by George Stanley, was proclaimed
by Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, on January
28, 1965, and took effect "upon, from and
after" February 15.
It has been suggested that Flag Day should be
declared a national statutory holiday. That suggestion
grew louder as the flag celebrated its 50th anniversary
in 2015.
Although National Flag of Canada Day is not a
holiday, it is celebrated with many events around
the country.
The Sentinel - February 2023