Why This Flag Day Feels More Important Than Ever

A Surge in National Pride

On this National Flag of Canada Day, folks around the Lower Mainland are joining Canadians across the country in a renewed surge of patriotism and pride in the Maple Leaf flag. As the iconic red and white banner marks its 60th anniversary, it has taken on added significance amid tensions with the United States and calls from former prime ministers to proudly display the national symbol.

"This year, more than ever, not only do we have to celebrate our flag but also remind ourselves what it represents: our values, our resilience and our sovereignty," said Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge.

The surge in flag-waving comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rhetoric suggesting Canada could become America's 51st state. A Leger poll found 85% of Canadians are feeling proud of their country in the face of these comments.

For many in Langley's tight-knit farming communities and growing suburban neighborhoods, the flag represents cherished Canadian values of openness, respect and compassion.

A Complicated History

The Maple Leaf's journey to become Canada's flag was not without controversy. Adopted in 1965 after heated debates, it replaced the Canadian Red Ensign which had unofficial status previously.

In more recent history, the Canadian flag has taken on an unpredictably darker role in our shared national context. Until only a few weeks ago, it seemed that the flag had almost irreversibly become the trademark/calling card of people who protested against public health measures to combat the spread of COVID.

Many in our community had become frustrated that the red maple leaf, once a symbol for national unity and solidarity, had become the sole cultural property of political activists espousing anti-vaccine and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

"The flag has had an interesting trajectory over the past five years," noted Carmen Celestini, a religious studies lecturer at the University of Waterloo. She explained how its meaning shifted during events like the "Freedom Convoy" protests, but is now being reclaimed as a unifying symbol.

'The Flag Flies For All'

In a rare show of unity, former prime ministers from across the political spectrum issued a joint statement urging Canadians to fly the flag proudly on this anniversary."Let's show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country," they wrote.

For Langley residents, many of whom commute to nearby Vancouver for work while maintaining strong local community ties, the flag serves as a potent reminder of Canadian identity and values.

As communities across the Fraser Valley celebrate a weekend loaded with Valentine’s Day, Flag Day, and Family Day, the red Maple Leaf flying from homes, farms and businesses has become a quiet but powerful statement of national pride and solidarity.

Stewart Prest, a political science lecturer at the University of British Columbia, summed up the mood: "The flag flies for all."

On Parliament Hill and in Langley alike, Canadians are finding a new sense of pride and comfort in their national flag - a familiar symbol taking on new meaning in changing times.