February 15th

On this day - February 15th 1965 - Canada adopts the red Maple leaf as its flag

In 1964 was a Committee established to develop a new flag for Canada. The country did not wish to continue to use the Union Flag from their period as a British Colony. In 1892 had the Canadian Red Ensign been approved for use by the British admiralty. This was a red flag, with the British Union Jack in the corner and the Canadian coats of arms in the center. Different Versions of this flag was in use until a new official flag was decided upon in 1965 after a huge debate in the country. The Maple leave flag was unanimously approved by the Committee and the maple have become a symbol assosiated with Canada today. A small, official, ceremony was held on February 15th in 1965 to inaugurate the new flag.