Saturday marked the 60th anniversary of Flag Day in Canada, and in communities across the country, the red and white Maple Leaf flew high. But in St. Andrews, a town with deep Loyalist roots, the display of national pride carried extra weight.
Perched on the Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews is just a stone’s throw from the U.S., with the coast of Maine visible from its waterfront. Yet, its history is distinctly Canadian. After the American Revolution, Loyalists seeking refuge from the newly formed United States settled here, determined to remain under the British Crown. That spirit of distinction was on full display this past weekend.
From homes to local businesses, Canadian flags were everywhere. The maple leaf appeared on banners and taped to windows. Fence posts and clothing lines became makeshift flagpoles, while snowbanks turned into pedestals for proud displays of patriotism. The windy and frigid weather only made the display of patriotism feel even more Canadian.
For many, the show of national pride comes at a time when Canada is making headlines south of the border—particularly after recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested he would consider making Canada the 51st state. St. Andrews resident Mary Casement felt it was important to recognize the 60th anniversary of Canada’s flag, so she decked out a life-size beaver on her front lawn in the red and white Maple leaf.
“Mr. B has to get dressed for absolutely every occasion, and the flag certainly seemed like a noble one. And I even remember I was a kid, well, teenager, when the first flag came out. And especially in current political times, I think it’s really important to be proud of our country… I think we’re generally a very modest, subdued country. We’re very compromising and not the blow your horn type of people. And I think right now, I think it is important that we do because we have an absolutely fabulous country. Were amazing. And political tension that’s good to keep that morale going among ourselves and strengthen our resolve to stay free.”
Casement isn’t alone. Across Canada, from small towns to major cities, the Maple Leaf was on full display this weekend—a quiet but powerful response to Trump’s remarks. A new Leger poll found that while 82% of Canadians are concerned about how trade relations with the U.S. will affect Canada, 85 percent of Canadians say they feel proud to be Canadian, with 58 percent saying they’re ‘very proud.’
In Washington, D.C. last week, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt joined Canada’s premiers to meet with U.S. officials to discuss trade relations amid tariff threats and impositions. She told CHCO-TV that even in U.S. political circles, it remains unclear how serious Trump’s comments really are.
“There have been a lot of candid conversations, and a lot of respect, but everyone shares the same sense that none of us knows what is coming next, and we have to be prepared for anything under the current administration.”
Canada, like many nations, has faced political divisions in recent years. But at moments like this, external pressure has a way of uniting citizens. And this weekend, the message was clear: no matter what happens south of the border, Canadians stand together—under one flag.
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