Chapter 5
Lester Pearson and the Flag, 1960-1964

tempt to dodge the flag issue. After all, you are men who know

what it means to go into battle! So I intend to talk briefly, but

frankly about this issue; to put my own feelings, my beliefs, my

judgment squarely and honestly before you. You would expect

me to do this and I believe it is my duty also. I expect dissent. I

also respect it.5

He went on to suggest that the question of a national flag was only a part

of the larger question of national unity. He spoke of his own experience

in proceeding overseas in 1915 and the sense of common identity among

service men:

I had as comrades in my section, men whose names were:

Cameron, Kimora, English, Gleidenstein, de Chapin,

O'Shaughnessy. We didn't fall in or fall out as Irish Cana-

dians, French Canadians, Dutch Canadians, Japanese Cana-

dians. We wore the same uniform, with the same maple leaf

badge, and we were proud to be known as Canadians, to serve

as Canadians and to die, if it had to be, as Canadians. . . .

What we need is that soldierly pride in Canada, that confident,

passionate pride in Canada, that men had who wore the

uniform with the maple leaf badge on it. What we also need is

a patriotism that will put Canada ahead of its parts. We are all

or should be Canadians—and unhyphenated; with pride in our

nation and its citizenship, pride in the symbols of that citizen-

ship. The flag is one such symbol. . . .

At this time an element within the packed auditorium burst into hisses,

boos, and cat calls, but most of the veterans sat quietly and appeared

thoughtful. Judge Sparling jumped to the podium, gave precise little taps

with the presidential gavel, and told the audience in an altogether uncon-

vincing voice that he was surprised and shocked. He enjoined the com-

rades to receive the address with courtesy whatever the prime minister

might say. This diversion was received with some derisive laughter. The

prime minister shoved the little president aside, observing that he could

look after himself: "If you can't stand the heat, you should stay out of

the kitchen."

Then Pearson proceeded to put the flag record straight:

In World War I, the flag that flew for Canadian soldiers

overseas was the Union Jack. In January 1944, the Red Ensign

came officially on the scene, though the flag designated for the

first Canadian forces overseas and presented as such to General

McNaughton on his departure for Europe was a different one,

with the three joined red maple leaves predominant. I believe

that today a flag designed around the maple leaf will sym-

bolize. . . will be a true reflection of—the new Canada.

He referred to the five million Canadians whose traditions were inherited,

not from the British Isles but from the original French founders

of our country, and the other five million who have come to Canada

from other faraway lands with a heritage neither British or French. "I

believe," he said, "that a Canadian flag as distinctive as the maple leaf in

the Legion badge [a red maple leaf on a white field], will bring them

closer to those of us who are of British stock and make us all better, more

united Canadians."

Referring to the Union Jack, the prime minister made it clear that the

adoption of a Canadian flag did not imply disrespect for the British flag

or the British tradition:

I would not agree to that. I have served under the Union

Jack in war and I have lived under it in peace. I have seen it

flying above the smoke and fire of crashing bombs in London's

blitz. I have seen it flying proudly in some desperate moments

in 1915. I know it stands for freedom under law, justice and

the dignity of man; for the glorious history of a brave breed of

men. The Union Jack should still be flown in Canada, not as

our national flag but as a symbol of our membership in a Com-

monwealth of Nations. . . of our loyalty to the Crown.

The remainder of the prime minister's address was received in thoughtful

silence and at the end there was some applause. Mr. Pearson reminded

the Legion of their own misgivings in 1960 in choosing a new Legion

badge which distinguished Canada's veterans within the parent British

Empire Service League. Then he touched on the duty of parliamentarians:

We owe those who elect us more than the advocacy of non-

controversial ideas. We owe Canada our best judgment. . . . I

believe most sincerely that it is time now for Canadians to un-

furl a flag that is truly distinctive and truly national in charac-

ter, as Canadian as the Maple Leaf which should be its domi-

nant design; a flag easily identifiable as Canada's; a flag which

cannot be mistaken for the emblem of any other country; a flag

of the future which also honours the past; Canada's own and

only Canada's.

It was a profoundly dramatic evening. It was an historic evening and I

left the hall with the conviction that Pearson had come through it with

credit. Stubborn, proud, and loyal as they were, the Legionnaires could