In addition to this being Family Day in New Brunswick – it is also “National Flag of Canada Day” across our nation to commemorate the inauguration of our red Maple Leaf flag on this date in 1965.
The flag was designed by George Stanley who was born in Alberta in 1907 and eventually settled here in New Brunswick in the town of Sackville. Stanley was a noted historian – author – soldier – teacher – and public servant. He served as New Brunswick’s 25th Lieutenant Governor from 1981 to 1987. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 95.
The red Maple Leaf flag replaced the Canadian Red Ensign which had been in use as the Canadian national flag since 1868. The controversial move to replace the Red Ensign was made under the leadership of Prime Minister Lester Pearson. After much debate over several design proposals – resolutions recommending the new red Maple Leaf flag were passed by the House of Commons and the Senate in December of 1984 with the Queen proclaiming the new flag in January of 1965.
