60 Years Of A Canadian Flag

 Each summer, the government uses a different theme for a display series on the terrace below the Chateau Laurier, where one walks from Plaza Bridge to Major's Hill Park. This year the theme is on the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Canadian flag.

The flag, which replaced the old Red Ensign, is recognizable across the world, and deeply meaningful for the country as a whole. On Canada Day, it is typical for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the National War Memorial, to become decorated with flags.

The Canadian Space Agency has taken the flag to space, and it is on the Canadarm.

Terry Fox was a courageous runner who lost a leg to cancer. He set out on the Marathon of Hope, to run from the east coast to the west coast. Cancer cut his journey short, and he would die, but millions of people around the world continue to run marathons each fall in his name to raise money for cancer research. Terry often wore shirts during this time with the national flag on the front.

The flag is a standard during citizenship ceremonies.

And its presence is felt even in humanitarian missions around the world after disasters and other crises.

It is a symbol of national solidarity- especially felt about hockey. As the expression goes, elbows up.

The maple leaf was first raised February 15th, 1965, on Parliament Hill, after a long process and much debate, involving many different designs and proposals. I think it's perfect.

It has been a strong presence for the country in Olympic and Paralympic games, as seen here.

And it is a symbol of unity, one more important than ever considering the odious nonsense coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue these days.

Prime Minister Lester Pearson was one of the driving forces behind a new national flag.