The day after Valentine’s Day, February 15th 1965, the new Canadian flag replaced the old one.

On both February 14th and 15th we see red, both days to show our love.

Twenty-nine years ago, in 1996 Jean Chretien proclaimed “Flag Day” on what was the 31st anniversary of the flag’s proclamation. 29 + 31 makes this the 60th anniversary of the flag. I recall the controversy at the time in 1965, and the proposed designs. Some people didn’t want to give up the old red ensign.

We watched the ceremony on television in class. I remember a classmate saying “I’m going to miss that old flag.” I kept silent, a bit confused. “Old flag”? I was 9 years old.

It still feels brand new: but then again, so too our culture. At one time the big topic was “Canadian Identity” because nobody really knew what “Canadian culture” even meant. The current response to tariffs with the mantra “shop Canadian” will also be part of that culture.

I just wanted to toss a few of my favourites out there, as we remember our Canadian artists and writers. One can shop Canadian with books, music and the arts. This is my little celebration, please feel free to enjoy this: and maybe keep Canadians in mind when you’re shopping, let alone helping the arts through your dollars.

What follows is a gallery in alphabetical order.