I’m celebrating the wonderful maple leaf

We celebrate the maple leaf flag’s 50th birthday this year.

When he led the country, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson advocated strongly for a flag of our own to replace the Union Jack. Contests were held across Canada as hundreds of people pushed for an image that symbolized the country. The one we honour now seems a good fit — it’s distinct and highly regarded, and recognised positively throughout theWestern world.

Any time I have been in Europe, my flag pin is noticed immediately and people ask where I live in Canada. They then tell me of the unconditional gratitude they still have for Canada, 70 years after the Second World War — even though the maple leaf flag didn’t exist during the war.

Recognition of the maple leaf is now universal; it has become Canada’s symbol to the world.

The red and white flag was first hoisted above the Peace Tower in Ottawa on Feb. 15, 1965 at noon, after all parties in the House Of Commons had voted Dec. 15, 1964, to adopt the design.

After the flag was raised, O Canada was sung beneath the country’s new symbol for the first time, followed by “God Save the Queen.”

At any international competitions — winter or summer Olympics, Pan American Games, World Cup of soccer international hockey tournaments — the winners excitedly wrap themselves in the maple leaf, proud of the symbol and proud of their country.

Today, the red and white colours, and the striking maple leaf, have become a part of our identity at home and part of the face we show the world.

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Erna de Burger-Fex is a writer and retired teacher.