Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago on February 15, 1965 the national flag with the distinctive maple leaf was first raised on Parliament Hill by the then Prime Minister, Lester B. Pearson.
Since that time our nation has grown to become one of the world's leading democracies. Canadians are known as a compassionate people, ready to respond when natural disaster strikes or war torn regions need help to keep the peace.
Our flag is a symbol of Canada. I encourage all members of this House to support the official federal proclamation of February 15 as Canadian Flag Day, not as an official holiday but as an annual day of recognition.
The Canadian flag is more than just a piece of cloth. It stands for peace, harmony and freedom. It stands for you, Mr. Speaker. It stands for me. It stands on guard for thee.