On February 15, people across the country flew a Canadian flag to celebrate National Flag Day. This year marked a special anniversary. The Maple Leaf turned 60.

Choosing a flag

When Canada was a British colony, we flew the Union Jack. After Confederation, we used the Canadian Red Ensign. It had Canada’s coat of arms on it. But it had a Union Jack, too.

By the 1960s, Canada was feeling more independent. The country decided it was time to have a flag of its own.