London veteran writes letter to the Canadian flag on its 60th anniversary

As a unique way to honour and recognize the Canadian flag’s 60th anniversary, London veteran Bruce Stock has written a letter to the flag.

“My dear flag, I know, I know, it’s really unusual for someone to write their flag,” reads Stock.

The retired major said he recalls being on duty at Parliament Hill on Feb. 15, 1965, when the new Canadian flag was first raised.

Stock said the day was ‘loaded with historic irony,’ noting that years prior, there had been serious debate about how appropriate it was for the country to have a new flag. But Stock said once the design was chosen and the Queen had given it her assent, all the frustration dissolved.

“Everybody was there with its wonderful sense of anticipation, and it was really cold that day,” recalled Stock. “And after we went to the ceremonies, it happened at high noon and the flag was on and on, unfolded the crowd, we just went crazy. They loved the look of that beautiful big maple leaf.”

The three-page letter also notes how the last six decades have not been all ‘sunshine and roses’ for the flag.

“I’m sure it drives you crazy when you see dirty or torn flags hanging their despondently,” continued Stock. “Or when some energetic group decides they want to legitimize their favorite new cause and decide to drape you all over their vehicles and equipment as if every other Canadian was anxious to support their idea.”

Stock said the Canadian flag is not a banner, but rather a symbol of who were are and a sign of unity.

“I’d like to remind young people that this is their flag. As they grow up and become successful, this flag is their future and it’s going to be with them every step of the way.”

A retired major, Bruce Stock is a member of Legion Vimy Branch #145 and lives with his family in London. An author, his latest novel is ‘The Canadian Veterans Party: How Canadian Veterans, Led By An Algonquin Woman, Came To Power Legally.’

Stockhas also written ‘Sleeping at Rideau Hall,’ a memoir of an Aide-de-Camp, it chronicles his time at Rideau Hall.