Introduction of Canada's National Flag Made History

The national flag of Canada, often referred to as the "Maple Leaf," has three vertical stripes – two red stripes on the outer edges and a wider a white band in the middle with a large red maple leaf centered on the flag. It can also be referred to as a red flag with a white square with red maple leaf centered on the flag. This flag was adopted in 1965 and was the first time a national flag was officially adopted to replace the British Union Flag.

Although only adopted in 1965, the "Maple Leaf" has been unofficially used since the 1890s. It was approved by the Order in Council in 1945 to be used wherever or whenever desirable to fly a distinctive Canadian flag. The distinctive Canadian symbol, which features an 11-pointed maple leaf in a white square, replaced the Union Flag. The flag was designed by George F. G. Stanley, who based the design on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada. It was first flown on February 15, 1965, at an official ceremony at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Since 1996, the day has been celebrated as National Flag of Canada Day.
The changing of the flag was controversial as many Canadians wanted to maintain the Canadian Red Ensign, which had the Union Jack in the canton (upper flag-hoist quarter) and the Canadian Ensign in the fly (farthest half of the flag from the mast). The Royal Union Flag, (the Union Jack) is also an official flag of Canada signifying Canada's membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and it's allegiance to the Crown.

The maple leaf has stood as a symbol celebrating the nature and environment of what is now Canada since the 1700s. The 11-points of the leaf or their arrangement serve no symbolic significance on the flag other than when tested in wind it was revealed to be the least blurry of several designs.

Officially, there is no law that dictates the proper use of the Canadian flag. However, guidelines were released to offer advice on how to correctly display the flag alone and with other flags. Ever since its adoption, a number of programs have been sponsored to promote the flag and increase awareness of its existence, including the Parliamentary Flag Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. These programs have led to increased exposure and a general belief that the concept of the flag was a key part of the country's national identity.

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Purchase Canadian Flags at United-states-flag.com

Info on the Flag of Canada on Theodora.com

Find Info on Canadian Flags at Widipedia.org

Canada Flag Facts on Flags.net

Flag of Canada from the CIA Fact Book