Viewing of the First Canadian Flag on National Flag of Canada Day

Speaking Notes

for

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada


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Thank you. I am pleased to join you today for this special ceremony.

Today is truly a historic day in the life of our country.

It is historic for two important reasons.

First of all, 41 years ago, the first red-and-white maple leaf flag was raised above Parliament Hill and, subsequently, in every corner of this great country from coast to coast to coast.

Second, today is a momentous occasion for we, the government and people of Canada, officially receive the very first flag that flew over the Peace Tower on February, 15, 1965.

I would like to begin by extending my personal and profound thanks to Madame Elizabeth Hoffman-Lamoureux for having made this moment a reality.  It was her husband, the Honourable Lucien Lamoureux, a distinguished former Speaker of the House of Commons, who safeguarded this unique and very powerful symbol of our country.

Madame Hoffman-Lamoureux, thank you for your generosity and, more importantly, for your willingness to be with us today to make this ceremony all the more meaningful.

Since 1867, our national flags have witnessed many of the defining moments Canadians have lived through.

The evolving versions of the Red Ensign were there when Canadians fought on the battlefields of Europe in the Great War and around the globe in the Second World War.  The new Maple Leaf helped us welcome the world to Expo ’67, it greeted visitors when we hosted the 1976 and 1988 Olympic Games and it was there, flying proudly, when we ushered in a new century in 2000.

Last year, it was visible as Canadian forces provided crucial disaster relief in Southern Asia, New Orleans, and Pakistan.
In fact, over the last four decades, the Maple Leaf has graced the lapels of Canadian delegates abroad, it has been evident on the uniforms of Canadians working to promote our values and our interests internationally, it has even circled the globe on numerous space missions.

Our flag, ladies and gentlemen, is more than just a design printed on a cloth.  It is a national symbol and symbols - when rooted in good - bring people together.

One of my first memories is the passion the flag debate aroused in my neighbourhood in Toronto, and the day my kindergarten class witnessed the raising of the new flag over Northlea Elementary School.

That vigorous yet truly democratic debate around the choice of our flag over 40 years ago was about a design, not about a destination.

To all who participated, our flag, whatever the final choice, represents a country that is strong, united, independent and free.

It represents us.  And that’s why we feel so proud when we see it flying at home and abroad.

And it is our duty, as Canadian citizens, to ensure that this flag inspires just as much pride in future generations.

Because soon, we will be asking them to carry it – and our country – farther and higher.

On this National Flag Day, let us all celebrate the values symbolized by our flag.

Let us re dedicate ourselves to upholding these fundamental values that have made Canada the great nation it is today.

To all of you here today and to all Canadians: Happy National Flag of Canada Day!

Thank you.

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