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Should Flag Day be made a national holiday?
February 15, 1965 was the day that our Canadian Flag was first flown over Parliament Hill. The 11 pointed Maple Leaf has become Canada’s symbol around the world. The red maple leaf is our brand image.
Lester Pearson, the prime minister of the day wanted a symbol that was truly distinctive for our country. Prior to 1965, our symbol was the Canadian Union Jack. The new flag that was finally approved was of only two colors red and white.
Today our world athletes, our international athletes all find a way to proudly display the maple leaf in foreign countries. It is found on hockey jerseys, swim caps, ski clothes. Canadian travelers have discovered that the maple leaf flag on luggage and backpacks opens doors in foreign countries all over the world.
In 1996, Jean Chrietien as Prime Minister of Canada declared February15 to be the National Flag of Canada Day.. As part of the day, Canadians have been encouraged to celebrate their pride and recognize the privilege of living in Canada. The official name could be interpreted to be a national holiday in Canada, but it is not.
Canadians have no holidays between January 1 and Easter. It is a long period without a work break. Every year a Monday in February is proposed for a national holiday.
It has been suggested that Flag day should become a national holiday. In other years, John A MacDonald Day is proposed to honor Canada’s first prime minister. MacDonald also holds the record for being the longest serving Prime Minister who through two different periods, was the prime minister of Canada for 19 years.
The day is often celebrated by various ministries and provincially funded groups who receive a paid holiday. The holiday either falls on the first or second Monday in February.
This all begs the question. If we are to celebrate February 14 as a National Flag Day, should the government declare the day a national holiday?
–Jim Cumming,
Publisher