Canada Day
Check out this Flag!
It has flown on top of The Peace Tower of The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.
Photo - go there guide
At the turn of the Millennium, the year 2000, our family visited Ottawa, or “Our Nation’s Capital,” in Peter Mansbridge speak. We took the standard tour of the Parliament Buildings which included a trip to the top of the Peace Tower. While marvelling at the view, the guide informed us that the flag was changed every day and that citizens of Canada could have one, after it had flown, free for the asking.
Upon returning home, I contacted our local MP and was told that the wait would be 3 to 4 years. No problem, I’m patient. When a Federal election graced us with a change in governing party and a new MP, I again contacted the office to make sure that we were still on the list. Yes, and a good thing too because I was informed that the wait was now 7 years.
Time passed, we moved house, and again I contacted our trusty MP to advise them of our change of address. Again, I was glad to know that we were already in the queue as the wait was currently 17 years.
More time passed and we moved again - this time to New York. Inquiring once more, I was told, “Your flag is on the way and, by the way, did you know that the wait is now 32 years.” Uh Oh. You need to be a resident of Canada to qualify for flag ownership. Thinking quickly, I provided them with my “new” address. My father’s..in Canada. The flag was duly delivered, joyously received and transported across the border in a suitcase.
We were giddy while unfurling it, amazed by it’s size, and snapped the above photo on the spot. It was even accompanied by a letter that confirms it’s authenticity and records the day on which it was flown.
So, we are now the proud owners of this Monster Flag. If only we knew what to do with it.
