The Maple Leaf Forever

I drove past a half-mast flag this morning, billowing in what seemed like slow motion in the rising sun, engulfing the red and white in the orange of a warm, welcoming hearth, every bit the encapsulation of “with glowing hearts.” The flag has resonated deeply with me for as long as I can remember seeing it, learning its meaning even more so. That official meaning, which is none at all. The design is simply meant to represent Canada and Canadians.

Latinos do not have a huge presence or long history in our nation, and though I often found other people with a similar background hard to come by, I was always told I fit right into the Canadian fabric woven of countless different threads.

Nostalgia for the Red Ensign unfortunately often pervades toxic alt-right circles. Rather than offer the respect the banner deserves as a historic symbol of what our nation once was, it has become a symbol of the desire to return to a colonial dominion lacking a distinct identity that is more true to ourselves and the deep history of this nation, more complex than a domineering Union Jack could ever hope to symbolize.

I will proudly fly the maple leaf forever high, as a flag as much my own as ours all, with its story honouring the past, present, and future, where long we have braved the long winter nights and humid summer days to make a home for us all, prosperous and beautiful. Thank you Canada, I’ve never had to think twice about who I am or where I came from. You told me from the beginning I am right where I need to be.