The Story of the Canadian Flag, From Union Jack to Maple Leaf

TEMPO.CO, JakartaCanada originally used a flag called the “Union Jack” which has been in use since 1867. Reported from the canada.ca page, bThe flag is the flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain as a form of Canada’s ties to the United Kingdom.

The Canadian flag used is known as the “Red Ensign” which has been in use since 1922. Reporting from the thecanadianencyclopedia.ca page, the Red Ensign is a composite image of the Union Jack and the Canadian shield symbol with various elements such as a wreath of maple leaves, a crown and the otter which has been recognized nationally as a national symbol.

The Red Ensign was commonly used by the Canadian navy in the 1890s. And became a symbol of patriotism during World War I.

Over time, Canada deemed it necessary to create its own symbol that could represent its country. In 1921, King George V ordered the emblem of the Royal Arms and shield as the new official coat of arms of Canada.

This flag also makes the Red Ensign as the national flag no longer valid. This version of the King George V flag was used by Canada during World War II.

Canadians Desire to Have Their Own Flag

In 1925 and 1946, efforts were made to reconsider the Canadian national flag. This arises because of the people’s desire that they have a distinctive flag that can characterize Canada and its own values.

However, this effort was stifled by the then Prime Minister of Canada, William Lyon Mackenzie King because of his concern that the flag issue could lead to political instability. Eventually, the Canadian government retained the Union Jack as the national flag and flew the Red Ensign on government buildings.

The Rupture of Canadian Society

Attempts to change Canada’s national flag re-emerged after the Second World War. However, the matter becomes more complicated because it divides Canadian society into two.

On the one hand, there are those who want to have a flag that can identify themselves and Canadian values. On the other hand, many people think that the Union Jack and Red Ensign are Canadian flags, even people were willing to die for the flag during the World War so that many are still tied to the British coat of arms and heritage.

In addition, according to the historyofyesterday.com page, since the Canadian confederation, Canadians have identified themselves as English. This was influenced by how Britain influenced the culture and politics of its colonies, including Canada.

NAUFAL RIDHWAN ALY

Read: 57 Years Ago The Canadian Flag Was Inaugurated by Parliament, What Does Maple Leaf Mean?

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Jackson Wintringham

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