Fly our flag high

It may have taken Canadians longer than many nations to celebrate the creation of their nation.
It wasn’t until 1879, 12 years after Confederation that Parliament named a specific day to honour Canada’s birthday. It was first called Dominion Day.
It took 50 years before Canadians began celebrating Dominion Day. That took place in 1917 in the middle of the First World War.
From that point forward, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north to the Arctic Ocean, Canadians in towns and cities both large and small have celebrated Canada’s birthday with parades, activities and parties.
Across our district, parades will roll down our streets, parents and children waiting along the route painted and decorated in the colours of our flag.
Families will join together for activities in parks throughout the day. And as nightfall begins, fireworks will explode in the skies to the “ooos” and “aaaahs” of the captivated audience.
On July 1 1960, then Prime Minister John Diefenbaker said, “I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and mankind.”
His words still ring true today.
In 1982, Parliament passed another act that changed “Dominion Day” to Canada Day and began funding Canada Day celebrations across Canada. And with that, Canadians became comfortable waving and flying the Canadian flag on that day.
It was under the leadership of Lester Pearson that our bold red Maple leaf began flying across Canada. It is our unique identifier recognized throughout the world.
And on the first day it was flown, Pearson said, “ Under this flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land.”
On Canada Day, fly our flag high. Celebrate our choices and opportunities.
Be proud of the things that make Canada a better place to live than anywhere else in the world.