To the editor:
February 15 marks the 50th anniversary of Canada’s distinctive national flag, also known as the Maple Leaf and l’Unifolié (French for “the one-leafed”).
In 1964, Liberal Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson formed a committee, and the new flag made its first official appearance on February 15, 1965.
At noon on Parliament Hill, 26-year-old RCMP constable Joseph Secours lowered the Red Ensign and hoisted the new flag atop the Peace Tower.
The flag was designed by Dr. George Stanley. The final design was established by Jacques St-Cyr. The precise dimensions of red and white were suggested by George Bist, and the technical description of the precise shade of red (RGB 255-0-0) defined by Dr. Günter Wyszecki.
The Harper government has allotted $50,000 for the 50th anniversary, along with another $200,000 to fund celebrations by provincial lieutenant-governors and other organizations.
Contrast that amount to the government spending $5.2 million commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. Remember those slick TV ads that ran ad nauseam?
This year the government is spending $4 million to mark Conservative Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald’s 200th birthday. Macdonald will also be featured on the new toonie, special gold and silver coins, and a new stamp.
One would think that at the very least the government would have planned a national celebration on February 15th on Parliament Hill.
If you think the Conservatives aren’t playing politics with the flag, then I have a bridge to nowhere to sell you. Cheap.
David Buckna,
Kelowna
