Should the Red Ensign be displayed on Flag Day?

TORONTO – Did you celebrate Flag Day today by flying the red and white Maple Leaf?

February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day. It commemorates the inauguration of the red and white maple leaf flag that was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It replaced the Red Ensign which had been used in an informal basis as early as 1868.

And while most people wouldn’t second guess placing the Canadian flag on display, Red Ensign fans think the historical flag should also be flown today.

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“This flag has been and it’s a wonderful example of history,” said Bill Danby with Fly the Red Ensign.

While he says he doesn’t want to bring back the flag nor does he think it should replace the flag we have now, he does say the flag should be on display regularly.

“We think it should be on display regularly at the Canadian War Museum. It should be displayed on Flag Day,” said Danby. “For areas that are old, cemeteries in France and cenotaphs, the old flags should be flown. The flags that those guys died under should be flown where they are buried. That’s the biggest message. If those guys arose from the dead they wouldn’t know what the hell was flying over their heads. They didn’t die under that flag and I think we owe them something.”

Sound off: What do you think? Should Canadians fly the Red Ensign on Flag Day? Share your thoughts on Facebook or tweet us @globaltvnews.