Flag Day is February 15 in Canada

“All of the country’s living former prime ministers are asking Canadians to fly the red maple leaf this weekend in a huge display of national pride as the country stares down U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to its economy and sovereignty.

Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper have jointly written an open letter, telling Canadians to ‘show the flag as never before’ as the country contends with ‘threats and insults from Donald Trump.’

‘Let’s fly our flag with pride. Let’s show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,’ the former first ministers write.

‘We’ve had our share of battles in the past. But we all agree on one thing: Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for.’

Saturday is Flag Day, which is held annually to mark the first time the red and white maple leaf flag was raised on Parliament Hill on Feb. 15, 1965, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign.

The five former prime ministers write they have ‘witnessed a surge of Canadian pride and patriotism’ in the wake of Trump’s threats and they are heartened to see so many people ‘come together to express their love for our country and their determination to defend Canada’s values and our independence.'” (from a CBC article by John Paul Tasker)

Personally, I remember standing outside when I was in kindergarten, watching the change of flags 60 years ago. I’ve no particular inclination to change flags again.

As for whether Canada needs to get its own shit together? Absolutely, and in a big way. But that’s a post for another time.