Today we celebrate National Flag of Canada Day on the anniversary of adopting our iconic red-and-white maple leaf flag. You can see this symbol of hope and prosperity flown with pride throughout this amazing country. The Canadian National Flag is one of the most recognizable symbols that represents Canada, even though it is a relatively young flag.

Many different flags were flown and used as the flag of Canada before the current National flag we know and love. Some of these early flags include the Royal Union flag or the Union Jack, as well as the Canadian Red Ensign which was widely recognized as the national symbol of Canada starting in the 1870s.

During the search for the right flag, many Canadians wanted a distinctive new Canadian flag to represent them. When creating the flag, what symbols could be chosen to represent Canada and it’s values, was a question that made this such a difficult task. Attempts made in 1925 and 1946 for a new flag were shelved, but in the years following the Second World War, public opinion grew in favour of a new national flag.

In 1960, Lester B. Pearson declared that he was determined to solve 'the flag problem', as this was critical to defining Canada as a unified and independent country. After considering a few thousand flag designs submitted by Canadians, the flag committee shortlisted 3 finalists.

Finally, on January 28, 1965, the new maple leaf flag was made official by a proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II. This flag became recognized as the foremost symbol of Canada and its values, and on this day we come together to honour our national banner.