Flag Day February 15
Gate House, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, ON.
 

National Flag of Canada Day, more commonly Flag Day, is observed annually on 15th February to celebrate the investiture of our new flag, sixty years ago, on this day in 1965.

A national flag represents a sovereign state, sovereign state being an entity with the legal right to domestic autonomy.  A country's flag is a compelling emblem, embodying the identity and values of its citizens.

Since the election of the new American President, our flag has become a symbol of unity, bringing our polarized population strongly together to defend our country against a common foe.  The red maple leaf has become an incredibly powerful motif, representing our history, our Parliament, our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our national pride and, since 20th January, solidarity as our beloved nation faces bullying from our neighbor to the south. 

To honor our mighty flag and all that it represents, and in light of the current threats and intimidation tactics being used by the American President, I’ve composed a bit of a riff off Mr. Curtis’ absolutely brilliant writing:

I love that word “relationship”, covers all manner of sins, doesn’t it?  I fear this has become a bad relationship.  A relationship based on the President taking exactly what he wants, and casually ignoring all those things that really matter to Canada.  We may be a small country by population, but we’re a great one too.  Country of Butter Tarts, Bobby Orr, Sir Fredrick Banting, Celine Dion, Leonard Cohen, Captain Kirk, Pierre Berton, and Anne Shirley.  A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend, and since bullies only respond to strength, from now on, Canadians will be prepared to be much stronger. The American President should know that we will never willingly become your 51st state.*

Happy Flag Day Canada, stay strong!

’Til next time, y’all…

*Richard Curtis, writer, Love Actually, actual text below:

“I love that word “relationship”, covers all manner of sins, doesn’t it?  I fear this has become a bad relationship.  A relationship based on the President taking exactly what he wants, and casually ignoring all those things that really matter to Britain (Canada).  We may be a small country, but we’re a great one too.  Country of Shakespeare, Churchill, Beatles, Sean Connery, Harry Potter, David Beckham’s right foot, David Beckham’s left foot, come to that.  A friend who bullies us is no longer a friend, and since bullies only respond to strength, from now on, I will be prepared to be much stronger, and the President should be prepared for that.”