National Flag of Canada Day

The year was 1964, and Canada's centennial was fast approaching. Parliament voted to adopt a new design for the Canadian flag and issued a call for submissions. Almost 4,000 designs were submitted in many different color combinations and motifs by Canadians from all walks of life.

Submissions came in all shapes and sizes and on various materials: wrapping paper, tissue paper, wallpaper, cardboard, bristol board, mat board, pieces of cloth, etc. Some people used pictures out of magazines, the labels of commercial products, postcards, or included petitions supporting their design.

The final design was announced on December 15, 1964, and the official ceremony inaugurating the new Canadian flag was held on February 15, 1965.
Red and white were designated Canada's colors by King George V on November 21, 1921, in the proclamation of the Royal Arms of Canada - Canada's coat of arms.

The maple leaf as found on the national flag is a traditional emblem of Canada. It was for many years the symbol of the Canadian Armed Forces and was used to identify Canadian contingents in two world wars.