February 11, 2015 – This coming Sunday, Canada’s national flag turns 50!

“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,” said Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, on the day the flag was officially raised.

The official ceremony inaugurating our Canadian flag was held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965, with Gov. Gen. Georges Vanier, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, members of the Cabinet and thousands of Canadians in attendance.

The Canadian Red Ensign—bearing the Union Jack and the shield of the royal arms of Canada—was lowered and then, on the stroke of noon, our new maple leaf flag was raised. The crowd sang the national anthem “O Canada” followed by “God Save the Queen”.

CLICK HERE for a list of Flag of Canada Day events near you.

And we have another important anniversary coming up: 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

— Anthony Capkun, acapkun@annexweb.com