PREAMBLE

Within these covers is a study in flag history and symbolism published

in 1980. This was a rendering into book form, with American spelling,

of a 1975 thesis deposited with Canada's Library of Parliament. It had

been discovered there by a Boston publishing house. Through the

kindness of Auguste Vachon and the Public Archives of Canada a few

pictures have been added. There is also one conclusive chapter by way

of summation.

Questions continue to arise respecting the origins and the rationale of

Canada's flag. On the occasion of a military ceremonial in Europe in

1985 one senior wartime veteran remarked: "I have nothing against the

flag except its lack of tradition."

He was astonished to learn that Canada's flag had been developed

entirely from tradition, that every decision in relation to the flag derived

from precedent.

Probably nothing worthwhile is completely new. We tend to build

upon the past. Our innovations emerge from whatsoever has been

developed before.

Newness, indeed, in a coat of arms or a flag might well constitute a

form of self denial. For who but the disaffected would choose to set

themselves apart from their heritage?

What will become apparent in these pages is the profound impact of

the past upon Canadian symbolism, and the persuasive influence of

heraldic enthusiasts long deceased upon critical aspects of the decision

making process.

The flag proclaimed in 1965 is a reworking, a restatement, in music

we would call it a reprise, of familiar themes which affirm the

individuality of Canada. The flag is not a creation so much as it is a

recovery of what has been distinctly ours from earliest beginnings.

It has been remarked that Canadians are reluctant to proclaim their

patriotism, that they cherish reticence as a national virtue. Yet on the

three occasions in which action respecting a flag came before

Parliament all hell broke loose.