National Flag of Canada Day 2023: Date, History, Interesting Facts

National Flag of Canada Day is observed on February 15 each year. This day marks the adoption of the current Canadian flag, which features a red maple leaf. The flag represents the shared values that unite all Canadian citizens: equality, diversity, and inclusion. On this day, you may see the Canadian flag flying proudly from the tops of buildings and people handing out miniature flags in the streets. Some individuals prefer to wear flag-shaped pins to commemorate this occasion. In many schools, special lessons are taught on the history and significance of the flag. Let’s delve a bit deeper to learn more about this fortunate day.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL FLAG OF CANADA DAY

The history of the red and white maple leaf flag of Canada has been quite eventful. You may be surprised to learn that it has not existed for very long. Although Canada’s search for a national flag began in the late 19th century, the current flag did not appear until the 1960s.
Even after Confederation in 1867, Canada displayed the British royal union flag as its own. In the 1870s, the Red Ensign, a combination of the Union Jack and the Canadian shield, was unofficially adopted as Canada’s national symbol. As the nation began to expand, its citizens recognised the need for unique symbols to represent their nationality. In 1921, King George V granted Canada the Royal Arms, which were placed on the Red Ensign. During World War II, this new version was used as a patriotic emblem.

In the years that followed, a number of Canadians perished in various protests and struggles. Then, in 1960, the leader of the opposition, Lester B. Pearson, decided to resolve the flag issue. This ultimately led to the Great Flag Debate, which resulted in the approval of the current Canadian flag design. The design, which features a stylized red maple leaf on a white background and red borders, was created by George Stanley.

The new flag was declared official by Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965. On February 15, that same year, at noon, it was raised on Parliament Hill. This is how the maple leaf flag was created!

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Five essential facts about the Canadian flag

As part of the One in a Million National Flag Challenge, one million flags were distributed to Canadians in 1996 so they could display them the following year.

Joan O’Malley, a retired government employee, sewed the first prototypes of the current Canadian flag.

The Canadian flag is frequently regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world due to its uniform colour contrast and captivating design.

The Canadian flag’s maple leaf was designed with eleven points.

When the Canadian flag is raised, lowered, or carried in a parade, men must remove their hats and all parade participants must face the flag in silence.

NATIONAL FLAG OF CANADA DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	February 15	Wednesday
2024	February 15	Thursday
2025	February 15	Saturday
2026	February 15	Sunday
2027	February 15	Monday