From Coast to Coast to Coast, Let’s Honour the Maple Leaf and Our Provincial Symbols
As we celebrate the legacy of the Canadian Flag and reflect on its enduring significance, Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, is calling on all Canadians to join us in an act of remembrance and respect.
We invite you to send us your tattered, faded, and ripped Canadian and provincial flags so they can be properly retired with dignity and honour.
From the Pacific shores of British Columbia to the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, from the Northern lights over Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to the golden prairies and bustling cities of Central Canada, our flags fly high, representing the diversity and unity of this great nation. They have stood proudly in our communities, flown over our homes, and witnessed our celebrations and solemn moments. But when they become worn, they deserve a farewell that matches the respect they inspire.
A National Duty of Honour and Respect
As the National Cemetery of Canada, it is Beechwood’s privilege and responsibility to provide a dignified method to dispose of our national and provincial flags. By doing so, we honour not only the symbol of our country but also all those who live under the red and white. It is a powerful reminder of the unity and pride that binds us as Canadians.
Consistent with Canadian Heritage’s National Flag of Canada etiquette, cremation is a proper and respectful way to retire a flag, and Beechwood’s state-of-the-art cremation facility ensures this process is carried out with dignity and minimal environmental impact.*
At Beechwood, we ensure that every flag is disposed of with the utmost honour and respect, using an process that upholds the dignity of this national symbol.
We invite all Canadians to take part in “Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag”, a sunset ceremony where collected flags will be honoured in a solemn procession and respectfully retired.
With participation from the Canadian Armed Forces, Members of Parliament, and communities across the country, this ceremony will symbolize our shared pride and unity as a nation.
How You Can Participate
- Look around your home, work, garage, or cottage—chances are, you’ll find a retired flag ready to be honoured.
- Send your tattered, faded, and ripped Canadian and provincial flags to: Honour our Flag c/o: Beechwood Cemetery Foundation 280 Beechwood avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8A6
- Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family, and community. Let’s ensure every flag is honoured with the respect it deserves.
- Join Us for the Sunset Ceremony: Attend the sunset ceremony in Ottawa or participate virtually to witness this moving tribute to our national and provincial symbols.
A Symbol of Unity and Pride
For 60 years, the Canadian Flag has united us as a nation. Our provincial flags reflect the unique identity and spirit of each region, yet they all stand together under the National Flag of Canada.
As the National Cemetery of Canada, Beechwood is honoured to provide a dignified method to dispose of these flags and ensure that we are showing respect to our country, our national symbols, and all those who live under the red and white.
Let’s come together to honour these symbols that fly high over our great land and in our hearts. This is a national call to action. Let’s show our love for this country from coast to coast to coast.
Click here to download the questions and answer infosheet for this program.
*Disclaimer: Please note that there is no financial contribution or exchange of funds between Heritage Canada and Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, in relation to the “Under the Maple Leaf – Respecting the Canadian Flag” program.