The LuLac Edition #2837, February 15th, 2015

FLAG DAY IN CANADA

Ceremony in 1965. (Photo: Wikipedia).

Today is Flag Day in Canada. But what is significant is that this is the 50th anniversary of the Maple Leaf flag.
The Royal Union Flag, which is also the flag of the United Kingdom, was used as the official flag of Canada until 1965. Various designs of the Canadian Red Ensign were used between 1868 and 1965 but Canada’s Parliament never officially adopted them. The National Flag of Canada’s current design results from a period of discussion, debate and political maneuvering in the early 1960s.
George F.G. Stanley designed the current flag, which is inspired by the Royal Military College of Canada’s flag. The multi-party parliamentary committee formed to select a new flag unanimously chose the design on October 29, 1964. The House of Commons passed the design on December 15, 1964. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the new flag on January 28, 1965, and it was inaugurated on February 15 in the same year. Governor General Georges Vanier, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, the members of the Cabinet and thousands of Canadians in attendance at the ceremony.
Flag Day is not an official holiday in the provinces but there is a push to have that happen.

AND IN THE STATES

PRESIDENT’S DAY

President’s day is celebrated as part of the three day holiday weekend. President’s Day was an offshoot of Washington birthday which was established in 1885 as a federal holiday. Contrary to popular belief, Lincoln’s birthday was never a federal holiday but celebrated by some states. In 1971 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which celebrated all Presidents. Here’s my segment on Pa Live with Jasmine Brooks.

NAT KING COLE'S LEGACY @ 50

Fifty years ago today Nat King Cole lost his battle with cancer. A trailblazing TV personality in the 50s (even without sponsors) Nat King Cole’s music has stood the test of time. Here’s proof: