| Symbols of Canada Canada's national anthem describes the country as "the True North strong and free." Its unique flag is recognized worldwide. Other symbols of Canadian life include the beaver, a distinctive coat of arms, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the maple leaf, the Canadian Parliament buildings and many more. What do these symbols mean and why did Canadians embrace them?
The Canadian Flag Canada's flag is easily recognizable. With a stylized red maple leaf in the center, the design arose based on a strong sense of Canadian history and as a result of a collaborative effort involving several Canadians. The combination of red and white first appeared in the General Service Medal issued by Queen Victoria. Red and white were subsequently proclaimed Canada's national colours by King George V in 1921. The single red maple leaf on a white field evolved as Canada's emblem over the years. It has been worn by all Canadian Olympic athletes since 1904. The official National Flag of Canada did not come into being until almost 100 years after the Dominion was created in 1867. It was raised for the first time at noon, February 15, 1965 during special ceremonies on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Those ceremonies were replayed countless times across the country that day as Canadians gathered together in small towns and villages and in city neighbourhoods to celebrate a flag that was of their own making and uniquely Canadian.
The National Anthem "O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée. While many different English lyrics were written over the years, the official English version is based on lyrics written in 1908 by Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The French lyrics, originally written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier, remain unaltered. Official Lyrics of O Canada! O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free! From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Canada's Coat of Arms During the first decades after Confederation, the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom was freely used to identify the offices of the Government of Canada. Later, a design which displayed the arms of the original four provinces of the new federation (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) was gradually adopted as the Coat of Arms of Canada. When other provinces joined Confederation, the attempt to add the arms of the new provinces to this federal composite design resulted in a crowded and confused appearance. For this reason, a new coat of arms was developed. It was approved and the arms assigned to Canada were appointed and declared in proclamation by King George V on November 21, 1921. Minor revisions have since been undertaken. | 
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