Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag
Posted February 15, 2015 9:14 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Events are planned across the country today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag.
Governor General David Johnston is unveiling a commemorative coin and stamp and marked the occasion this morning on Parliament Hill.
Johnston says the flag is so embedded in Canada’s national life that Canadians couldn’t imagine their country without it.
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and former prime minister Jean Chretien will attend an event in Mississauga, just west of Toronto.
Prime Minister Harper says he plans to present a “Peace Tower” flag to the Canadian Museum of History, and 50 Canadian flags to 50 Canadians and organizations to recognize their contributions to the country.
Although the flag is revered now, it was the subject of fierce debate when then prime minister Lester Pearson launched a plan to replace the Red Ensign.
The original Maple Leaf flag flown over the Parliament Buildings on February 15th, 1965 was never given away.
It’s on public display on Parliament Hill until the end of the month.
