QUÉBEC CITY, QC – The Honourable Ghislain Maltais, Senator for Shawinigan, Quebec, along with the Honourable Pierre Duchesne, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, joined members of the Canadian Armed Forces today at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montcalm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national flag of Canada.

Quick Facts
To mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary, HMCS Montcalm, a Naval Reserve Division (NRD) in Québec City, held a flag raising ceremony today with an honour guard and band from the Naval Reserve of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Navy Sea Cadets, and musicians from the Canadian Army Reserve.
The Honourable Pierre Duchesne, Lieutenant Governor of Québec, inspected the honour guard during the ceremony.
HMCS Montcalm has been an integral part of Québec City since it was founded in 1923, and was the first French-speaking unit in the Royal Canadian Navy.
At Canadian Armed Forces establishments across the country, the national flag of Canada flies from masts and flagpoles, is marched on to parade squares at significant events, and is saluted when military personnel pass it.
The Canadian flag promotes and strengthens our Canadian identity, worn so proudly by members of the Canadian Armed Forces underscoring their unique commitment to Canada.
The Naval Reserve of the Royal Canadian Navy exists to train sailors and officers who can be employed at sea and ashore in a wide range of missions.
There are 24 NRDs located across Canada that are active in their community by providing vital emergency services, fundraising for local charities, and participating in numerous community events.
Quotes

“The Canadian Flag, which unites the red and white pattern of the Royal Military College flag and the maple leaf, is a proud reflection of our history and service across Canada and around the world.”

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

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Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=933209&tp=1