From the moment it was born, 60 years ago today, Canada's flag has had to surrender to another. On this day in 1965, at its own inauguration, it was not permitted to fly from the position of honour atop the Peace Tower, because a federal rule said the flags of British royals and viceroys were more important. With Governor General Georges Vanier in attendance, his personal banner trumped the new Canadian flag. The crowd had to wait until he (and his flag) left Parliament Hill so the Maple Leaf could finally be hoisted high. 

To this day, that same federal rule forces our flag to take a back seat to some 30 British royal and viceregal flags. That demotes the Canadian flag to an inferior flagpole or removes it altogether. It's time to terminate this insulting order, and ensure our flag is never forced to submit to another. Sign and share this petition to 'Put the Canadian flag first' at all times in its own country. What a fitting 60th birthday gift that would be.

Happy Flag Day!