The Birth of Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag
On this day, 60 years ago, Canada officially adopted its now-iconic Maple Leaf flag. At precisely noon on February 15, 1965, in a solemn yet historic ceremony in Ottawa, the red and white banner bearing a single, stylized maple leaf was raised for the first time, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign and the Union Jack as the country’s national flag.
The decision to adopt a new flag was not without controversy. Many Canadians held deep attachments to the Red Ensign, which had served as the country’s unofficial banner and bore the Union Jack, symbolizing Canada’s British heritage. The Union Jack itself was retained for royal and Commonwealth occasions, a nod to Canada’s enduring ties to the Crown.
Yet, despite the debates and divisions of the time, the Maple Leaf flag has since become a unifying symbol of Canada, representing both its history and its national identity in the modern world.
As we mark this anniversary in 2025, it’s worth reflecting on the significance of national symbols and the debates that shape them. Whether one embraces change or values tradition, flags are more than mere fabric they are statements of heritage, sovereignty, and national character.