National Flag of Canada Day
National Flag of Canada Day celebrates the inauguration of Canada’s iconic red and white maple leaf flag. It’s a day when Canadians commemorate their national symbol and reflect on the values it represents: freedom, peace, respect, justice, and tolerance.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 15
- Tagged as: Flag Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #CanadianFlagDay #FlagDayCanada
- When was it founded?: 1996
- Who founded it?: Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
History of National Flag of Canada Day
The day marks the historic moment when Canada’s maple leaf flag was first raised on Parliament Hill in 1965, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign. The design emerged from nearly 4,000 submissions, with George Stanley’s simple yet elegant concept winning unanimous approval.
Timeline
- 1964: Parliament votes to adopt new flag design
- December 15, 1964: House of Commons approves design
- January 28, 1965: Queen Elizabeth II proclaims new flag
- February 15, 1965: First raising of new flag
- February 15, 1996: National Flag Day declared
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February | 15 |
| 2026 | February | 15 |
| 2027 | February | 15 |
| 2028 | February | 15 |
| 2029 | February | 15 |
Observed
The day is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, educational programs in schools, and public celebrations across Canada. While not a public holiday, it’s an important day of national pride.
Fun Facts About Canadian Flag
- The Peace Tower flag is changed daily
- The flag’s maple leaf has 11 points
- The waiting list for a Parliament Hill flag is over 100 years
- Canada’s flag has traveled to Mount Everest and space
- The Peace Tower flag measures 4.6m wide by 2.3m tall
Quiz
- How many points does the maple leaf have?
- What year was the flag first raised?
- Who designed the flag?
-(Answers: 11 points, 1965, George Stanley)
FAQs
- Is Flag Day a statutory holiday?
No, it’s not a statutory holiday. - Why was the maple leaf chosen?
It was already a well-established Canadian symbol. - What do the colors represent?
Red and white were designated as Canada’s official colors by King George V in 1921.
Importance of National Flag Day
The day serves as a reminder of Canadian unity, sovereignty, and shared values. It provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on their national identity and celebrate their heritage.
Related
- Canada Day
- Victoria Day
- Remembrance Day
- Canadian Heritage Day
- Constitution Day
