Canada

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The flag’s distinctiveness is so well known that the design of a central white space as a backdrop for a symbol is commonly known as the “Canadian pale.” But did you know that nearly all of the Canadian flags that fly from a federal government building must conform to stringent standards created by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB)?

The National Flag of Canada, known around the world as the “Maple Leaf,” has been a symbol of Canada and Canadians since it was first officially flown on Parliament Hill February 15, 1965

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Since the Revolutionary War, the Gadsden flag has been used as a symbol of patriotism, in support of civil liberties, and for disagreements with the government. In 2009, the Gadsden flag was been adopted by the Tea Party for use at its movement rallies. It would appear that the flag has become a political symbol because of its association with political parties and in disagreements with the government.

Rattlesnakes were plentiful in the original thirteen colonies. Benjamin Franklin first used the rattlesnake in a satire commentary that he wrote and that was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1751. His cartoon noted that, since Britain was sending its convicted criminals to America, American should send its rattlesnakes to Britain. As time went on, the rattlesnake became a symbol of the ideals of America.

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Canadian Red Ensign

The Gadsden flag was designed during the American Revolution (1765-1783) by an American statesman, Christopher Gadsden, in 1775. The field was yellow and featured a rattlesnake that was coiled to strike. Below the rattlesnake, the words “Don’t tread on me” were printed.

The rattlesnake symbol was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1778 when a Seal of the War Office was designed and officially accepted. A rattlesnake was featured at the top of the seal holding a banner with the words “This We’ll Defend”. The message was that the Army was ready to defend and preserve America.

Franklin published another satirical cartoon in 1754. This one featured a photo of a snake cut into eight pieces with each piece containing the initials of the American colonies (there were only eight at that time). Below the snake segments were the words “Join, or Die”. The French and Indian War was raging at that time. It is thought that Franklin’s cartoon was meant to show the importance of the colonies uniting. This may be where Gadsden got the idea for his flag in the late 1700s.

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The CGSB set to work and on June 1, 1966, the Standards for the National Flag of Canada, 98-GP-1 were published. In 1985, parliament passed the National Flag of Canada Manufacturing Standards Act, requiring all Canadian flags purchased by the federal government to conform to the CGSB standards.

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So, next time you’re walking by a Government of Canada building, take a moment to look at those magnificent flags and take pride knowing that they are all up to standard… our Canadian standard!

The story of the great flag debate and how Canada chose its national flag is famous, but less well known is the story of what happened after the Maple Leaf was unveiled. Within weeks of the flag's debut in 1964 there were issues with the colours. The red parts sections were “bleeding” into the white, and then began to fade from red to pink and then to a dull orange. Something had to be done — standards were needed!

The first time the flag was used was by the Continental Marines. The Gadsden flag was given to the Commander in chief of the Navy, Esek Hopkins, for use on his flagship to represent America. The marine force was formed by the Continental Congress in 1775 and it was disbanded in 1783.

In fact, the CGSB is responsible for ensuring that every national flag flown proudly by the Government of Canada meet the standards requirements and stands up to the test.