Statement by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the Occasion of National Flag of Canada Day

OTTAWA, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - On this date 47 years ago, the red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill, in communities across Canada and at Canadian embassies around the world.

Every year on February 15, we celebrate National Flag of Canada Day. This celebration encourages us to learn about the symbols that define us as Canadians.

This year, we commemorate two important milestones that have contributed to who we are today: the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 and Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

• The 200^th anniversary of the War of the 1812 marks a landmark event in our history. It helped determine the kind of country we are today: an independent country with its own parliamentary system.
• This is also the Diamond Jubilee year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the Throne reminds us of the central role of the Crown in our ongoing evolution as a country.

Our Government is proud to celebrate our national flag and to honour all those who have borne the Canadian flag and have represented our nation around the world. On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to visit www.canada.gc.ca/flagday to learn more about this powerful symbol of our country and reflect on what it represents.

(media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788