MISSISSAUGUA, Ont. – Festivities across the country marked the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag Sunday with a slight hint of politics mixed among memories of the national emblem’s creation.
Former prime minister Jean Chretien, who witnessed the emotional debates of the 1960s on a new flag, joined Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau on Sunday to celebrate the milestone.
Trudeau spoke about the historical significance of the flag and the difficulties former prime minister Lester B. Pearson faced in making the distinctive red-and-white design a reality.
READ MORE: For Peace Tower flag master, 50th anniversary of Maple Leaf a moment to slow down
Chretien, who was a member of Pearson’s cabinet, said the maple-leaf pennant has come to be a symbol of Canadian values.
“It is a flag that represents hope, represents generosity, represents sharing, represents trust,” Chretien said.
“We should all be grateful to Lester B. Pearson to have the courage to move.”
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Chretien also slipped in a couple of jabs at the current Conservative government as he tied the flag to Canada’s international reputation. “It was a time that Canada was respected,” he said. “We were showing the world what it was to build a modern society with the diversity that we had.”
But “something happened” to Canada’s international image in recent years, Chretien said, pointing to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s failure to secure Canada a seat on the United Nations security council.
READ MORE: Are the Conservatives playing politics with the Canadian flag?
“I was not very happy that day,” Chretien said.
The original flag flown over the Peace Tower on Feb. 15, 1965, was never given away.
It’s part of the House of Commons heritage collection and is on public display in Parliament’s Hall of Honour until March 1.
Harper said Sunday he would present 50 Canadian flags to 50 Canadians and organizations in recognition of their contributions to the country.
“The Canadian flag is a symbol of the values of peace, democracy, freedom and justice that define and unite us as Canadians,” he said in a statement.
READ MORE: Canadian flag marks 50th birthday on Sunday
“It is a common rallying point for great moments in our country’s history and a testament to our ingenuity and achievements, both at home and on the international stage.”
Gov. Gen. David Johnston also marked the anniversary Sunday by unveiling a commemorative coin and stamp in Ottawa’s Confederation Park.
“The national flag of Canada is so embedded in our national life and so emblematic of our national purpose that we simply cannot imagine our country without it,” Johnston said in a statement. “It stands for the people we are, the values we cherish and the land we call home.”
Johnston also passed along some words from the Queen.
“On this, the 50th anniversary of the National Flag of Canada, I am pleased to join with all Canadians in the celebration of this unique and cherished symbol of our country and identity,” she said.
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