Celebrating 60 Years of the Canadian Flag: A Symbol of Unity, Not Division 🇨🇦
The Maple Leaf Flies Proud: Canadians Reclaim Their Flag
Today marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most recognizable national symbols in the world—the Canadian flag. That bold red maple leaf, set against a stark white background with wide red borders, has long represented the values we hold dear: inclusivity, peace, and a commitment to standing tall on the global stage. As I pack my bags today for a well-earned vacation to the warm beaches of Mexico, my Canadian flag pin is already attached to my jacket, my luggage tag proudly displays the maple leaf, and a white ball cap bearing our flag will shade me from the sun.
Wearing the Canadian flag abroad is always a source of pride, but this year, it feels especially significant. Traveling to Mexico, a country that—like Canada—has had to push back against U.S. isolationist policies and unwarranted trade attacks, makes me appreciate even more what our flag truly represents: sovereignty, diplomacy, and a commitment to fairness in the world.
In recent years, we saw the so-called "freedom convoy" attempt to co-opt our flag, turning it into a symbol of rebellion and division rather than unity. But across the country, Canadians are reclaiming it as it was meant to be—an emblem of pride, resilience, and the values we cherish. The Canadian flag is not a banner for extremism; it’s a marker of our shared identity, and a reminder that true patriotism means standing up for a just, inclusive, and democratic society.
As I travel, I’ll wear my flag with pride, knowing that it represents a country worth defending—not just from external pressures, but from those within who would seek to twist its meaning. Canada’s flag is ours, and on its 60th birthday, let’s celebrate it as a symbol of the nation we continue to build together.