Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag: A New Tradition of Dignity and Pride

Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag: A New Tradition of Dignity and Pride

Flags are more than fabric and stitching—they are the symbols of our shared history, values, and unity. They fly proudly over our communities, represent us on the world stage, and serve as reminders of the sacrifices made under their colours. But what happens when these cherished symbols become worn, tattered, or faded?

Beechwood Cemetery, as the National Cemetery of Canada, believes even the retirement of our national and provincial flags should be treated with dignity. That’s why we are proud to announce a new initiative: Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag.

The Importance of Proper Flag Retirement

A flag that is no longer fit for display should not simply be discarded. According to Canadian Heritage's guidelines on flag etiquette, flags that are faded or damaged should be retired in a respectful manner. At Beechwood, we are honoured to provide Canadians with the opportunity to do just that.

Our state-of-the-art cremation facility ensures that flags can be retired in a solemn, environmentally responsible way—reflecting the same reverence shown when these flags are first raised.

How You Can Get Involved

We are inviting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to participate in this important initiative. There are two simple ways to get involved:

• Send Us Your Flags:
  Gather any Canadian or provincial flags in your possession that are tattered, torn, or faded. You can mail them to:
  
  Honour the National Flag of Canada
  c/o Beechwood Cemetery
  280 Beechwood Avenue
  Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6
  
  We encourage individuals, organizations, parliamentarians, and community leaders to collect flags from their networks and communities.
• Attend the Inaugural Ceremony:
  Join us on June 18, 2025, at Beechwood Cemetery for the inaugural Under the Maple Leaf sunset ceremony. This meaningful event will include a solemn procession, the raising of a new flag, and the dignified retirement of the collected flags. It is an opportunity to stand together in remembrance, unity, and national pride.

A New Tradition Rooted in Respect

“This initiative is about more than proper disposal—it’s about honouring the symbol of Canada and ensuring it is treated with the dignity it deserves,” says Nicolas McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach at Beechwood Cemetery. “We are calling on all Canadians to join us in giving our flag the respect it has earned.”

This ceremony will not only serve as a moment of reflection but also as the beginning of an annual tradition, inviting Canadians to take part in a collective act of respect, pride, and remembrance.

Learn More

To find out more about Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag, visit our dedicated page:
Under the Maple Leaf Initiative