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My fellow canines . . . Celebrate Canada Day on July 1st with your humans. With the rain, winter winds and snow our flag gets somewhat tattered and we replace it each year on July 1st . . . . and this, of course, always requires some ceremony. Well this year Rock finally got around to replacing our old wooden flag pole with a new, very tall flag pole on our side lawn and although a little early we chistened it by raising a brand new Canadian flag. I always want to bring the flag to Rock but he doesn't let me. He is afraid that I may drop it. He says that The National Flag of Canada, or as we like to call it The Maple Leaf, is a symbol of honour and pride for all Canadians and should be treated with respect. As such it should never be allowed to touch the ground. I was intriged so I went to a website www.pch.gc.ca and discovered a few more interesting facts about our flag . . .
The National Flag of Canada should be displayed only in a manner befitting this important national symbol. It should not be subjected to indignity or displayed in a position inferior to any other flag or ensign and it always takes precedence over all other national flags when flown in Canada. The National Flag of Canada should always be flown on its own mast - flag protocol dictating that it is improper to fly two or more flags on the same mast (eg. one beneath the other). Further, the following points should be kept in mind:
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The National Flag of Canada should not be used as table/seat cover, as a masking for boxes or as a barrier on a dais or platform.
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While it is not technically incorrect to use the National Flag of Canada to cover a statue, monument or plaque for an unveiling ceremony, it is not common practice to do so and should be discouraged.
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Nothing should be pinned to or sewn on the National Flag of Canada.
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The National Flag of Canada should not be signed or marked in any way (A border could be attached to the outside edge of the Flag on which it would be acceptable to have signatures leaving the Flag itself untouched).
When the National Flag of Canada is raised or lowered, or when it is carried past in a parade or review, all present should face the flag, men should remove their hats, and all should remain silent. Those in uniform should salute.
The National Flag is flown at all federal government buildings, airports, and military bases and establishments within and outside Canada. The flag may be flown by night as well as by day.
Flags are flown at the half-mast position as a sign of mourning. The flag is brought to the half-mast position by first raising it to the top of the mast then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The position of the flag when flying at half-mast will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagstaff. It must be lowered at least to a position recognizably "half-mast" to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the mast owing to a loose flag rope. A satisfactory position for half-masting is to place the centre of the flag exactly half-way down the staff. On occasions requiring that one flag be flown at half-mast, all flags flown together should also be flown at half-mast.
When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, by burning it privately.
Place our Canadian flag where you can see it everyday. Treat it respectfully . . . and say a prayer of gratitude for this beautiful, bountiful and peaceful homeland. Resolve in your heart to keep it that way . . . and rejoice with your family and friends, not just on July 1st, but every morning when you wake up and know instantly the serenity that comes only with the personal freedoms we can take for granted.
Happy
Summer, Happy Daytripping!
Echo invites fellow canines, felines and other feathered or
furry friends to have their humans submit pet photos. If we print your photo, we
will send you a $20 gift certificate from a local pet store.
Email photo, pet name, breed and your mailing address to Echo at gervais@bmts.com.