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Waving the Maple Leaf
By George Stock
Oxford County Library
For the Oxford Review
June 11, 2001
As Canada Day approaches, thoughts turn to the symbols that represent Canada. What is the history of the flag and arms of Canada? What are the rules regarding flying the Canadian flag? Of what significance are the beaver and the maple leaf in our heritage? Who composed O Canada and what are the lyrics of all four verses of The Maple Leaf Forever. What are our national holidays and when will they be celebrated in 2001?
The answers are in the Canada site, http://www.canada.gc.ca under “Canadian Symbols”
(direct link: http://www.pch.gc.ca/ceremonial-symb/english/index.html ).
Young browsers can try their hand at electronically colouring pictures of a Snowbird, a Mountie or the “first” flags of Canada.
The site also provides helpful but obscure information about dress and protocol at national events and when meeting members of the Royal Family, foreign dignitaries and members of government.
There is a page on the Royal Family with a link to their official website. Included are a lists of Royal Family members, visits to Canada as early as 1786 and the Queen’s personal Canadian flag. Link also to the Governor General’s web site.
Explore the “Canadian Symbols” page and wave your maple leaf proudly on July1!
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