First declared in 1996, it marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
You can read about the history of our flag here. Although I'm sure I knew it, I was still shocked to read our flag was debated on in Parliment from Oct-Dec 1964, and on January 28, 1965, the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to take effect on February 15, 1965 - which brings us, of course, to flag day on February 15th. Went I think back to history I would have though our flag was older than that.
Although the official flag did not come about until the mid sixty's, the red and white of our flag were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty King George V and the maple leaf has actually been used as an emblem in Canada since the eighteenth century. It was often served to distinguish Canadians abroad, for example it was used to represent Canada at our first time in the Olympians in 1904.
Did you know our flags history?
I actually didn't know today was the exact day of Flag of Canada Day. I'm surprised they don't have this on Calendars. I love learning new info, thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's on my calendar, and I did notice it this morning and wondered if my son's teacher will do something to mark National Flag Day at school today.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that this was National Flag day. I do think something more should be done to note such occasions and make Canadians more aware of their country!
ReplyDeleteHappy National Flag Day!:-) Thank you so much for sharing all these interesting, fact filled posts wth us!
ReplyDeleteI never knew ;) We Canadians need to be MORE patriotic!
ReplyDeleteI did know it was Flag day and why....but I didn't know all the other history too. fascinating - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea!
ReplyDeleteHuh! They could almost change "Family Day" to "Flag Day" and make it a national stat, heaven knows we could use more days off in Canada!
ReplyDeleteSome people were talking about this on the GO train yesterday. Happy Flag Day!
ReplyDeleteI thought I learned in school that the two red bars on the flag sympolize the two oceans and white in the middle sympolize the land.
ReplyDeleteWoopie!
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