Independence Day

I wonder who else besides Maritime Forces Pacific will notice:

News Releases

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Navy Observes Historic Date On Thursday

One of the most significant days in Canadian history is marked Thursday, when Canadian Navy ships in harbour fly the Royal Union Flag from the masthead from sunrise to sunset. Dec. 11 is the Statute of Westminster Day, the 77th anniversary of the British Parliament passing legislation confirming Canada as a self-governing nation and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. When the law passed the British Parliament on Dec. 11, 1931, Canada and five other nations were no longer considered colonies of Great Britain. Canada played the leading role at several conferences that led to the modernization of the relationship between Britain and other members of the Commonwealth.

The Royal Union Flag, generally known as the Union Flag or “Jack,” was approved on Dec. 18, 1964 for continued use as a symbol of Canada’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and of the allegiance to the Crown. It is flown from the mast head of Canadian Navy ships and on federal buildings across Canada unless it displaces the national flag; in this case it is not flown. The two occasions it is flown are on Dec. 11 and on Commonwealth Day, the second Monday in March.