Local connection to our flag

Marily Seitz | Jun 28, 2017

On Saturday, June 24, as part of our Canada 150 celebrations, Ompah resident Cille Harris presented a video, “Let’s Celebrate Canada’s Flag”, produced by the Flag Wavers of Waterloo Region. The video is a history of Canada's maple leaf flag that ends with a tribute to Cille’s father, Bernard G. F. D’Eon, former resident of Perth, proud patriot and lover of Canada’s flag since its birth in 1965.

Though not a wealthy man, “Bernie D’eon” purchased a colour advertisement in an Ottawa newspaper to celebrate both the 5th and 10th anniversaries of the adoption of the flag.  The ad came to the attention of John Matheson, MP for Leeds and Perth resident, who was impressed with the passion of an ordinary Canadian citizen.  In his book, “Canada's Flag”, 1986, John Matheson included the advertisement written by Mr. D'Eon, which reads: “On Feb. 15Th 1965 our maple leaf flag was born.  This flag which graces the Canadian landscape waves proudly over a most beautiful and fabulous Country on which god has never ceased to smile!  Canada, whose problems are so small and so few that her enemies within are compelled to manufacture some and magnify others, is truly “Land of the Free” and the envy of the whole world!”

The flag wavers of Waterloo region saw Bernard D’eon’s words in John Matheson’s book and were so moved by the sentiment that they decided to end their video with his beautiful message.

The maple leaf has long been a symbol of the land beginning with the settlers. Over the years, there were several unsuccessful attempts to create a Canadian flag.  As Canada approached its 100th anniversary, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, proposed a distinctive flag for Canada instead of the Red Ensign.  Opposition Leader John Diefenbaker was adamantly opposed.  Eventually Prime Minister Pearson appointed a committee to design a Canadian national flag that “could not be mistaken for the emblem of any other country and which would be a strong unifying force in our country”.   

It came down to three designs.  The so-called Pearson pennant had three joined red maple leaves on a white background with blue bars on either side, representing 'sea to sea'.  A second design was a single red maple leaf on a white background with red bars on either side, with the British and French flags on the two top corners. The third design was an early version of what we have today, a single red maple leaf with red borders. There were arguments for and against each design.  One of the deciding factors was the flag wave test.  When each design was flown, the triple maple leaves were unidentifiable.  However the single maple leaf was clearly identified in the wind.

On February 15, 1965 Canada’s new flag was raised on Parliament Hill.  Over time, those opposed to the new flag came to appreciate and approve of the new flag.  It has become a distinctive, easily recognizable symbol of our nation.  The Red Ensign is still used on occasions to denote membership in the Commonwealth.

Throughout the presentation, Cille wore her father's red cap with maple leaf.  Also on display was a red blanket with maple leaves.  Both were proudly used by her father until his death on April 6, 2014, at Lanark Lodge in Perth. Sadly, he knew nothing of the book or video honouring him.  Those in attendance left knowing more about and proud of the local connection to the Maple Leaf flag.