From Coast to Coast to Coast: Honouring the Maple Leaf This Fall
As the air turns crisp and the last leaves fall, Canadians across the country begin their annual rituals of closing cottages, storing patio furniture, and preparing for winter. It’s a time of reflection; a time when we take stock of what has weathered the seasons and what deserves renewal.
Among these quiet autumn tasks, there is one that carries special meaning: checking the flag that has flown proudly over our homes, workplaces, and cottages all summer long.
A Symbol Worthy of Respect
The Canadian Flag and our provincial and territorial flags stand as enduring symbols of unity, pride, and shared identity. They have seen us through moments of joy and sorrow, from Olympic victories to Remembrance Day parades, from civic celebrations to solemn ceremonies.
But even the most resilient flag cannot escape time and the elements. Sun, rain, and wind take their toll. When our flags become tattered, faded, or worn, it’s more than just a sign of weathering, it’s a call to honour them with the dignity they deserve.
A National Act of Respect
This fall, Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, invites Canadians from coast to coast to coast to take part in Under the Maple Leaf - Respecting the Canadian Flag - a national initiative dedicated to the respectful retirement of Canadian and provincial flags.
We are calling on individuals, families, organizations, schools, and community groups to send us their tattered, faded, and ripped flags so they may be retired with honour through a dignified cremation process in accordance with Canadian Heritage protocol.
This process is carried out at Beechwood’s state-of-the-art facility ensuring environmental responsibility while preserving the sanctity of our national symbols.
Why It Matters
Retiring a flag with respect is not simply a matter of protocol; it’s a gesture of gratitude. It’s a way of saying thank you to the ideals those flags represent:
- Freedom and equality
- Service and sacrifice
- Community and compassion
As the National Cemetery of Canada, Beechwood is entrusted with safeguarding the stories, symbols, and traditions that unite us as a people. By properly retiring our flags, we reaffirm the values that define our nation.
How You Can Participate
As you prepare for winter, take a moment to inspect the flag you’ve flown through the summer.
If it’s ready to be retired:
- Fold it neatly
- Send it to: Honour Our Flag c/o Beechwood Cemetery 280 Beechwood Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8A6
Once received, your flag will be respectfully cremated, ensuring it receives the same honour and care it displayed in life.
Together, Under the Maple Leaf
Every flag tells a story of a home, a family, a community, a province, and a nation. By retiring them together, we weave those stories into a shared act of remembrance and unity.
This fall, let’s come together under the Maple Leaf to show that our pride as Canadians endures long after the fabric fades. Because to honour our flag is to honour ourselves and the country we call home.
Join us. Send your flag. Honour the Maple Leaf.