What?
Indeed for the vast majority of Canadians, and those of many other nations, today will be unremarkable and just like any other. If they notice, Canadians may wonder why the Royal Union Flag (Union Jack) is being flown alongside the Canadian Maple Leaf on government buildings, airports, and military bases.
It is because today is Commonwealth Day for 53 member states, formerly colonies of the British Empire.
In a very brief note on a page of the Canadian federal government’s Heritage Ministry it states, Commonwealth Day is “a day to observe the common bonds and the contribution of the Commonwealth of Nations to the creation of a harmonious global environment”
As the British Empire faded with the independence of former colonies, the Commonwealth of Nations was formally constituted in 1949 with the idea that no member was subordinate to another and states were free and equal but remained united by language, history, and shared values of democracy, human rights, and the authority of law.
The day is marked on the second Monday in March. Perhaps it is little known in Canada because it is not a public holiday, and businesses open as usual.
Canadian proposals
It was a Canadian proposal to have the day marked on the same day in all member states. Canada suggested it be held on the second Monday in March as there were no other conflicting events or historical dates.
The idea was proposed in 1973 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting which was held in the Canadian capital, Ottawa. The Commonwealth flag was proposed at that same meeting and is credited to Canada’s then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, and the first Commonwealth Secretary-General Arnold Smith. Both proposals were adopted in 1976.
In her annual message on this day, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II expressed the theme of Commonwealth Day this year, which is “inclusivity” and she encouraged member states and individuals to support “those in need”.
Her Majesty said, “Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant. True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.”
A special interfaith service will be held today at Westminster Abbey with several members of the Royal Family in attendance along with about 2,000 other dignitaries.
Additional information-sources
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