Canada Marks 60 Years of Flag with Patriotic Display \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Canadians celebrated the 60th anniversary of their national flag with an unusual surge of patriotism, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and remarks about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state. Many displayed flags at home and on vehicles, feeling a renewed sense of national pride. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former prime ministers encouraged citizens to wave their flags, emphasizing Canada’s strength and independence.
Canada’s Flag Anniversary Sparks Surge of Patriotism: Quick Looks
- 60 Years of the Maple Leaf: Canadians marked the anniversary of their flag, first introduced on Feb. 15, 1965.
- Trump’s Comments Ignite National Pride: His suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state outraged many.
- Flag Sales Soar: Citizens bought flags in record numbers, attaching them to hockey sticks and balconies.
- Former Prime Ministers Unite: Five ex-leaders urged Canadians to fly their flags in a show of unity.
- Trudeau’s Statement: He encouraged Canadians to wave their flags proudly and continue writing “Canada’s enduring story.”
- Economic Tensions: Trump’s threats of tariffs on Canadian imports add to strained U.S.-Canada relations.
Deep Look
As Canada celebrated the 60th anniversary of its national flag on February 15, 2024, an unexpected wave of patriotism swept across the country. While Canadians are often seen as quietly proud of their country, many felt compelled to display their national pride more openly—largely in response to recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump’s remarks suggesting that Canada would be “better off” as the 51st U.S. state, combined with his threats of tariffs on Canadian imports, sparked a strong emotional reaction among Canadians. Across the nation, people flew their flags on homes, vehicles, and even hockey sticks—a fittingly Canadian gesture.
A Symbol of Unity and Defiance
For some Canadians, this newfound patriotic display was deeply personal.
Deborah Weismiller, a 69-year-old retired journalist from Edmonton, hung a Canadian flag in her window for the first time.
“We share a passion for our country, and although we have a reputation as being discreetly patriotic, we are suddenly driven to announce it loudly and clearly,” she said.
She, like many others, was particularly unsettled by the idea of Canada being absorbed into the U.S., calling it “horrifying” even under normal circumstances. Given what she described as America’s current “state of chaos,” she found the suggestion even more disturbing.
Bill Hawke, 83, a retired investment advisor, also chose to fly his flag for the first time in years. For him, it wasn’t just about defiance—it was about reinforcing the importance of Canada’s democracy and independence.
A Political and Economic Backdrop
Trump’s recent trade policies have placed Canada under economic strain, further fueling patriotic sentiment.
The U.S. president has threatened 25% tariffs on most Canadian imports, with an additional 10% on oil, natural gas, and electricity. While these measures were temporarily put on hold, they remain a looming threat, creating uncertainty in Canada’s trade-dependent economy.
Adding to the tension, Trump has repeatedly referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor” rather than a head of state. Many Canadians view this as dismissive and disrespectful.
Former Leaders Call for National Unity
Recognizing the growing unease among citizens, five of Canada’s former prime ministers—Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper—came together to issue an open letter.
They encouraged Canadians to fly their flags as a statement of national pride and resilience.
“We’ve had our share of battles in the past. But we all agree on one thing: Canada, the true north, strong and free, the best country in the world, is worth celebrating and fighting for,” they wrote.
This rare bipartisan show of unity underscored the importance of national identity in the face of external pressure.
Flag Sales Surge Across the Country
The heightened patriotism translated into soaring flag sales. Heather Stone, general manager at Flag Outlet in Coquitlam, British Columbia, said the demand had been “pretty phenomenal.”
One customer even purchased 75 flags, reflecting the widespread desire to make a visible statement. The most expensive flags, priced at 45 Canadian dollars (over $31 USD), were among the best sellers.
Interestingly, many Canadians opted to display their flags in a uniquely national way—by attaching them to hockey sticks. “That’s seriously Canadian,” Stone remarked.
Despite the circumstances prompting these flag purchases, Stone emphasized that the sentiment wasn’t one of hostility toward the U.S. but rather a celebration of Canadian identity.
“Nobody is coming with the attitude ‘To hell with America.’ It’s the opposite. They’re just really celebrating being Canadian,” she said.
A Flag That Reflects a Changing Nation
Canada’s red-and-white maple leaf flag was officially adopted on February 15, 1965, replacing the earlier Red Ensign that featured the Union Jack.
Bradley Miller, an associate professor of history at the University of British Columbia, noted that the flag’s simple design has made it widely embraced across diverse communities.
“The fact the flag isn’t littered with symbols and references to our past… has made it adaptable across a really dynamic period in our history,” he explained.
Unlike some national symbols that carry colonial legacies, the maple leaf flag has come to represent a modern, inclusive Canada. This adaptability has allowed it to remain relevant across generations, making it a unifying emblem for Canadians from all backgrounds.
Trudeau’s Response: A Call for Patriotism
On the anniversary of the flag’s adoption, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement urging Canadians to embrace their national identity.
“Let’s keep writing Canada’s enduring story,” he said, encouraging citizens to wave their flags with pride.
While Trudeau’s comments were measured, they subtly pushed back against Trump’s rhetoric, reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty and independence.
The Lasting Impact of Trump’s Comments
Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming part of the U.S. may have been offhanded, but they touched a nerve.
Bradley Miller, the historian, explained that Canadians typically display their flag prominently only during major events like the Olympics. However, Trump’s statements struck at the heart of Canadian identity, leading to an unusually strong nationalistic response.
“When a leader callously, arrogantly, flippantly muses about us no longer being our own country, it makes perfect sense that we would react angrily, emotionally, and patriotically,” Miller said.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reflection for Canada
What began as a simple anniversary celebration turned into a moment of national reflection. As Canada navigates ongoing political and economic tensions with its southern neighbor, the flag has become a powerful symbol of unity and resilience.
Whether this wave of patriotism will have lasting political implications remains to be seen. But for now, Canadians have made one thing clear: they are proud of their country, and they intend to keep it that way.
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