Canada乌鸦传媒檚 national flag recognized worldwide as a symbol of this country, is on display in a new wave of national pride and patriotism.

Last week, in advance of Flag Day on Feb. 15, five former prime ministers 乌鸦传媒� Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chr茅tien, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper 乌鸦传媒� urged Canadians to fly the flag.

乌鸦传媒淟et乌鸦传媒檚 show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,乌鸦传媒� said a statement from the former prime ministers.

The five former prime ministers include Liberals and Conservatives, who did not always agree with each other in policy or direction. Still, they have been able to unite behind the Canadian flag. Their recent call for displaying the flag is part of a renewed wave of Canadian pride and patriotism.

This is happening as a result of U.S. President Donald Trump乌鸦传媒檚 threat of tariffs on Canadian goods entering his country, and also in response to Trump乌鸦传媒檚 increasingly frequent comments about making Canada a U.S. state.

In response, Canadians have been showing their support for this country. There are renewed efforts to buy from Canadian companies and businesses, as well as a renewed celebration of Canada and its traditions and values.

The maple leaf flag was first flown on Feb. 15, 1965, and each year, the day is designated as Flag Day in Canada.

While the maple leaf had been associated with Canada in the past, the present flag is a made-in-Canada design and is easily recognizable in Canada and around the world.

When the flag was first flown, Prime Minister Lester Pearson spoke of the values the flag represented.

乌鸦传媒淢ay the land over which this new flag flies remain united in freedom and justice 乌鸦传媒� sensitive, tolerant and compassionate towards all,乌鸦传媒� he said at the time.

This is the message of the flag. It is not a protest symbol or a banner to be flown for a special cause. It is a symbol for all who live in Canada, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, sexuality or opinions. It is a flag for everyone in this country. And it is to be displayed with dignity and respect for what it represents.

The recent call to fly the flag echoes some of Pearson乌鸦传媒檚 sentiments. Canada乌鸦传媒檚 values and character are worth embracing. They deserve to be displayed for all to see.

乌鸦传媒� Black Press