By Canadian Press

Skaters flock to Ottawa’s Rideau Canal to kick off Flag Day

Feb 14, 2025 | 11:59 AM

OTTAWA — A group of young skaters carried a gigantic Canadian flag down Ottawa’s Rideau Canal Friday morning to help kick off events marking the 60th anniversary of Canada’s world-famous banner.

The National Flag of Canada Day event includes speeches and the singing of the national anthem and is being attended by dozens of skaters, top athletes and a woman who helped to assemble the first-ever modern Maple Leaf flag.

Young skaters from local sport clubs carried the flag down a portion of the Rideau Canal Skateway between the Laurier and Mackenzie King bridges.

The national flag marking its 60th birthday Saturday was adopted in 1965 under the government of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

Earlier this week, all living former prime ministers called on Canadians to express their national pride and “show the flag” as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to make threats against this country’s economic security and sovereignty.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 14, 2025.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press