July 1995 ~~ THE STORY OF CANADA'S FLAG (Condensed from an article by Oscar Brand - submitted by Alice Miller) Since July Ist is Canada Day, it seemed fitting to review how our Canadian flag came into being. | Over the centuries, various explorers have brought different flags on Canada's shores - Viking Banner, English Flag, Lily Banner of France, British Union Jack. Although Canada has been an overseas appendage of the British Empire for some years, Canadians wanted to assert their independence by having a flag of their own, and being "nobody else's country." As far back as 1925, in Prime Minister William Lyon MacKenzie's time, a committee was formed to suggest a new flag, but could not come up with an idea and was dissolved in frustration. In 1945, the Red Ensign Published for and about Township people and events was unfurled from the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa with the purpose of trying to please everyone. In reality, it pleased very few. Although it had the coat of arms of Canada on it, it still had the Union Jack in one corner which reminded the French population that they were British by conquest - which did not sit well. As the coat of arms of Canada included the Coats of Arms of the different provinces the flag appeared too cluttered. Its one redeeming feature was that it did not resemble the American flag in any way. Finally, in 1965, the Houses of Parliment, by joint resolution, adopted the new flag of Canada - 2 outside red poles with a red maple leaf prominent on a white centre. It was simple, immediately recognizable and truly Canadian. The red recalled the Red Ensign, and the Maple Continued on page 2 Inside this Issue... Friendship Circle Notes Druella Acantha Melvina Cat-Astrophe Around the Bay