Nick Ferrie put in a request for a Parliament Hill flag a decade ago. The local man finally got one this week. Ferrie says he read about being able to apply for the flags and sent in his name.
He says he was surprised and happy when he got an email two months ago that the flag was on its way. Â Â
There are five Canadian flags that fly on Parliament Hill – one on the Peace Tower, two on the East Block and two on the West Block. Around 250 flags fly on the Peace Tower and 200 on both the East and West blocks each year.
The Peace Tower flag is changed every weekday, except on statutory holidays and during bad weather. The other four flags are changed weekly. Â Â
Ferrie says when he opened the package and read the letter that accompanied the flag, he felt a deep sense of patriotism and pride in being Canadian.
The letter reads: ‘This flag is the embodiment of our country. During the past 53 years, the flag has come to be a symbol of what Canada represents both at home and abroad. The red maple leaf stands for hope and compassion. The flag is also a symbol of what people of diverse faiths, cultures and linguistic backgrounds can accomplish, and is a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the citizenship in our great country.’
Ferrie says his flag was flown on the West Block on September 28, 2018. He plans on framing the flag and hanging it prominently in his house.
The current wait list for Parliament Hill flags exceeds 100 years. People interested in applying for a flag can click here.Â
