Birthplace of the Canadian Flag - 50 Years

More Than A Flag - John Ross Matheson

Invite “John Ross Matheson Way” on Monday May 13, 2013

Please find attached an invitation for the event that the 50 Years of Our Flag Committee has planned for the naming of “John Ross Matheson Way” on Monday May 13, 2013 , it starts at 4pm at Court House in Brockville.

This is one of a series of initiatives that is planned to bring awareness to Brockville’s John Ross Matheson, and his contribution to Canada and specifically as Father of Our Flag and Brockville as the Birthplace of the Flag.

http://brockvillecanadianflag.blog.ca/2013/05/01/50-years-of-our-flag-website-15815587/

We hope that you can attend.

Thank you.
Timothy Ross
Member
50 Years of Our Flag Committee

The 50 Year Celebration will be Feb 15th, 2015

http://brockvillecanadianflag.blog.ca/2013/04/25/bill-57-recognizes-brockville-as-birthplace-of-canadian-flag-15790157/

John Ross Matheson Way - Invite May 13, 2013

50 Years of Our Flag - Website

Check out the official website of the 50 Years of Our Flag Committee

http://www.50yearsofourflag.ca/

Check out the artist Phil Chadwick and his story and the painting

http://philtheforecaster.blogspot.ca/2013/02/what-is-art-50-years-of-our-flag.html

Bill 57 - Recognizes Brockville as Birthplace of Canadian Flag

News Release
________________________________________________________________________
Birthplace of the National Flag of Canada Act, 2013

Bill 57 Recognizes Brockville, Ontario as the Birthplace of the Canadian Flag

April 25, 2013

A significant milestone was achieved yesterday for the “50 Years of Our Flag” project when Steve Clark, MPP Leeds-Grenville introduced Bill 57, a Private Member’s Bill to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario that recognizes Brockville, Ontario as the birthplace of the national flag of Canada. As we approach the 50th anniversary in 2015 of the birth of the Canadian flag, it is an appropriate time to understand and celebrate the events and people responsible for this milestone event in Canadian history.

“It was an honour to introduce Bill 57 in recognition of how integral the Honourable John Ross Matheson and the City of Brockville were to the birth of Canada’s National Flag,” said Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark. “This is a very important part of the city’s heritage and something unique for us to celebrate. I’m so proud of the work the 50 Years of our Flag Committee is doing to tell this story and it’s a privilege to be part of those efforts.”

The “50 Years of Our Flag” Committee is a local citizen’s committee formed to raise awareness of the history and significance of the birth of the Canadian flag and to commemorate the individuals who were instrumental in the process. The Committee has many projects and initiatives planned over the coming years including renaming of the former Jail Street South, to “John Ross Matheson Way” in recognition of Mr. Matheson’s significant contributions to the region and to Canada.

A ceremony is planned on-site at 4:00 p.m. on May 13, 2013.

“We are delighted with the support that our initiative has received from so many levels of government and individuals.” said Bob Harper, Chairman of the “50 Years of Our Flag” Committee. “The introduction of Bill 57 by Mr. Clark is a tremendous boost to the efforts of our committee and is a fitting tribute to a great Canadian and former Brockville citizen. This new Bill is a tremendous accomplishment that will link the City of Brockville with the man and the events that led to the birth of our Canadian flag forever.”

For more information about the “50 Years of Our Flag” commemorations visit www.50yearsofourflag.ca or contact:
Pam Buell
Media Relations
50 Years of Our Flag Committee
613-345-0484 -30-

Phil’s Painting Story

Flag13-Final

Phil’s Story Behind the “50 Years of Our Flag” Painting
– Very First Off the Top of My Head Draft…

These scenes are all based on paintings I have completed since I started when I was a 10 year old kid going to take art lessons from Mario Airomi on Highway 2 east of Brockville. As I got older I would ride my bike down to the two hour and $2 dollar lesson every Saturday morning. Mario and Lily and sometimes their children would greet me like family. As I got older still Mario would insist that I come to paint with him whenever I could. I painted with Mario until he passed away in 1976. I think of him and his inspiration most times I pick up a brush.

As the artist I own the copyrights on all of these original works. I have retained all of the copyrights on any works that have been sold over the years. As a result there are no copyright issues for me using these tastes of Canadiana on the “50 Years of Our Flag” painting. The Committee might have investigated getting permissions to use the art of Tom Thomson or the Group of Seven. From experience I know this would prove to be very challenging indeed!

When Bob and I started the artistic portion of this journey in the summer of 2012 we had the basic idea of the Canadian Flag being front and centre surrounded by iconic images of Canada. At one time I had three light house paintings which related to Canada as stretching from coast to coast to coast. The artistic journey evolved from Flag1 to Flag13. Text, translation, spelling and images accounted for the reasons behind the evolving versions. When we arrived at Flag13 Bob told me his story of “13” being a lucky number for him and Sue. For me “thirteen” is a prime number and it would be the waster of a perfectly good number not to embrace it! I know that “2013” will be an especially lucky year. As it turned out there was a requirement to fix the spelling of Alan Beddoe’s name in Flag13. Using artistic license and some common sense I made the fix but retained the lucky number “13”. I simply added the word “final” to identify the final draft of the approved “50 Years of Our Flag” trademark/ logo/committee signature. To use “14” would have been converting to something other than a prime number and I didn’t want to do that.

As the lucky artist assigned the task of placing this project on a 4x6 foot canvas I tried to keep the desires of John Ross Matheson and Bob and Sue Harper first and foremost. I suggested pieces that would work from an artistic and compositional point of view but after that, John and Bob were who I wanted most to please. After they were happy I have to please myself. I can only do that by doing my very best. I will attempt to explain my thoughts below.

There is one alteration that I must take responsibility for. I became quite involved with the flag project. I completed the readings that Bob suggested and listened intently to Bob and John during their discussions. The names and their order were carefully thought out and discussed by John and Bob. Late in 2012 Bob’s dedicated sleuthing solved a mystery that was even unknown to John. I will leave Bob to tell that very important piece of history! However the discovery elevated George Stanley’s placement in the contributor’s list. Bob said I should move it higher which I did. Using artistic license I kept “George” beneath the name of the brother of my great-great grandfather. I think Edward deserved that!

Why Me?

I do not profess or pretend to be Tom Thomson, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald or any other of the Group of Seven. I am simply a patriotic Canadian who is passionate about the beauty of the natural world which is Canada. I see beauty everywhere and everyday and there really are not enough hours in the day to do it justice.

Being a plein air artist my style is dictated by the Canadian elements. For me the only way to paint is outside surrounded by an inspiration that evolves by the minute. Canadiana is a moving subject based on change and evolution. Tom and the Group of Seven faced the same constraints so it is not surprising that our styles are similar. I am inspired by the creations of Canada’s greatest artists but I am equally inspired by the beauty of Canada.

So “why me?” I am a just a meteorologist – a weatherman! Quite simply I happened to be in the right spot at the right time. I have been friends with Bob and Sue since they first came to work at “The Executive” several years ago. The timing was right because Bob is the fountain of ideas that continue to flow and shape the “50 Years of Our Flag” Project. Our friendship is one important factor and even though I am not Tom Thomson or one of the Group of Seven, Bob was willing to overlook that because he needed an artist to move his vision forward. Bob may have also thought of me because of Edward M. Chadwick who was the very first to suggest the single maple leaf for the Canadian flag and indeed was successful in having the maple leaf adorn the badges of the Canadian military. I did not think I was related to Edward M Chadwick and had never given it any thought. I feel that each generation has the duty and responsibility to make their own way and not rely on the virtues of their ancestors. Bob has since discovered that Edward M was indeed a brother to my great-great grandfather.
It is thus serendipitous that I have been given the opportunity to embark on this great adventure. Call it luck or whatever you wish but maybe I have been painting my entire life for this moment to arrive. I will certainly do my best. The end result will have to be judged on its own merits and not any ties to Edward M. Chadwick.

I have communicated with Bob about the artistic pressure to make the “50 Years of Our Flag” painting a true masterpiece. That kind of pressure can be debilitating with the result that it is scary to apply pigment to canvas. It would take forever to get the painting done with such pressure. There will always be someone who will think negatively about something including this most positive project. This thought and my conversations with Bob have empowered me to employ my “bold strokes and lots of colour” approach to art which are my signatures. “Full steam ahead and darn the torpedoes” will get this artisitc project completed. If I am able to fulfill the wishes of John Ross Matheson… then Bob’s and then mine then the painting will be successful. If people want to criticize my choice of pigments well… it really doesn’t matter because John and Bob are happy!

Art Symbolism

In the early 20th Century Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven endeavoured to create a distinctively Canadian artistic expression. This was a very bold move in 1920! The 1965 “Flag Committee” and others through the years since Confederation wanted to create a distinctively Canadian flag and the associated symbolism. Several attempts to achieve a Canadian flag had already failed. Both groups envisioned Canada as a rich natural world that was at the same time vibrant, alive and yet extremely diverse. Their goals were to unite Canadians in this bold vision on their nation and both succeeded.
Now 50 years after the “Flag Committee” and a hundred years after the famed artists started to meet and paint together, the goals of the “50 years of Our Flag” committee are no less ambitious. These goals are clearly stated elsewhere. Simply the “50 years of Our Flag” committee wishes to do the right thing for the right reason.

(I think) The goals for the artwork are to "celebrate 50 years of Our Flag" and to "wrap the Flag with Canadian art". My goal as “The Group of One” is to follow the passion of the Group of Seven and wrap the Flag in distinctly Canadian landscapes which are the soul of the land. The names on the artwork are the links to the key individuals to brought the Canadian Flag into existence. The artwork that embraces the flag and text are visual links to the beauty of Canada and the inspiration that fueled Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.

Some might recognize the iconic pieces of Canada that have inspired portions of this painting. The individual scenes are not as important as the fact that Canada is inspiration. The ensemble of images reflects the beauty that is Canada within the diverse differences in land, seas, weather, climate and people. The art is intended to flow from front to back held together by water and weather which are important signatures of Canada.

Top centre - water cycle and climate. The snow shadows of the Oak Ridges Moraine blend into the meltwater of the Oxtongue River. In addition to the water theme, the Oxtongue River painting was also selected due to the linkage with the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson.
Top Right and Right Centre. Historic Barracks of St John’s Harbour and Cape Spear. East coast and marine themes representing a distinctive part of Canada.

Bottom Right. The crashing waters of Ragged Falls, Algonquin Park. Linkage again to the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson but also emphasizing the fresh water, energy and vitality of Canada. I placed Tom Thomson’s dove grey canoe in the shadows at the top of the portage. Like Tom I also used cobalt blue in mixing the right colour for his canoe. I placed it in shadow as I wanted to be consistent with the back lighting of the clouds of Cape Spear and also to keep the presence of the canoe very subtle. Tom would have certainly had his canoe in that location at the top of Ragged Falls. Tom would also have certainly fished the pool at the bottom of the falls.

Bottom Centre. My favourite painting and my signature piece. It is pure, distilled Canadiana from one of my favourite portages. The true story of the canoes as described on my art site could be replaced by the two distinct cultures... the green Kevlar is a 16 foot prospector canoe while the blue and older cedar strip canoe was a shorter 12 foot canoe.

Bottom Left: the rugged and rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield in Killarney along with an historic and protective light house. This is in keeping with a “beacon” theme of Canada welcoming and protecting those who come to our shores.
Bottom Left: The copse - a mix of lush green crash and hardwood forest. Classic Canada and my backyard from the top of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Left centre: a modern sail boat ... a reflection of how people got to Canada across the oceans
Upper left: La Cloche and the favourite painting location of the Group of Seven members after the death of Tom Thomson in July 1917.

I find the font extremely challenging to paint in oils. I am not a laser printer. The end result when I get there will be hand drawn text with all of the human imperfections I have been unable to conceal. The human weakness of not being a mechanical device may be the biggest strength. At least that is what I am hoping for.

I may add more to the above as I think about it during the painting process.

Suggestion
I think it is important to highlight the Brockville links of the “50 years of Our Flag” Committee.

Keep the Maple Leaf Flying High

http://www.cp24.com/stompin-tom-connors-final-letter-to-fans-1.1185337

Source : The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2013 9:33PM EST
Last Updated Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2013 10:10PM EST

Canadian country-folk legend Stompin' Tom Connors died Wednesday at age 77. A few days earlier the musician penned a letter to fans that he wanted published after his death, his spokesman said.

Here is a copy of the letter published on the singer's official website.

Hello friends, I want all my fans, past,
present, or future, to know that without
you, there would have not been any
Stompin' Tom.

It was a long hard bumpy road, but
this great country kept me inspired
with its beauty, character, and spirit,
driving me to keep marching on and
devoted to sing about its people
and places that make Canada the
greatest country in the world.

I must now pass the torch, to all of you,
to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high,
and be the Patriot Canada needs now and
in the future.

I humbly thank you all, one last time,
for allowing me in your homes, I hope
I continue to bring a little bit of
cheer into your lives from
the work I have done.

Sincerely,
Your Friend always,
Stompin' Tom Connors

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/stompin-tom-connors-final-letter-to-fans-1.1185337#ixzz2Mqeeqf3G

http://www.cp24.com/stompin-tom-connors-final-letter-to-fans-1.1185337

Bud The Spud

The Good Old Hockey Game

Emily The Maple Leaf

Under this flag may our youth find new inspiration for loyalty to Canada; for a patriotism based not on any mean or narrow nationalism, but on the deep and equal pride that all Canadians will feel for every part of this good land. - Lester Pearson

Emily the Maple Leaf Lyrics
by Stompin' Tom Connors

Emily the maple leaf, lived with her family, high upon the maple tree
Her sister and her brother leaves, and all of the other leaves, used to laugh at Emily

Everything that they said, used to turn her face red, just as red as red can be but even when she felt bad, she would never look sad, she took it all so cheerfully

Then one day, the leaves all say, Emily was taken far away
She was picked, while playing tag, and she was put on Canada's flag

Emily the maple leaf, never now could prouder be,waving o're the nation wide just to see her when she flipps, on the mast of mighty ships, Emily will stir your pride

All of us we love her, there is none abover her, blowing in the breeze so free Her sister and her brother leaves, and all of the other leaves, we shout forever Emily

She's our way, to live each day, in city style, or country way
from the valleys green to the mountains craig, here's to Emily, Canada's flag

Emily the maple leaf, stands for the harmony, we share alike from sea to sea, for this our fathers sight for, lived and love and died for, and we'll perserve it constantly,

Where leaves are bound together, where Emily's forever, We're all for one, with each for all,

Our sister and our brother leaves, and all of the other leaves , will never let the red leaf fall

Here we stand, all hand and hand, Oh Canada, we're at your command,
so let not one, be found to lag, Where Emily waves, on Canada's flag

Sudbury Saturday Night

I think every Canadian should have a map of Canada in his or her house. It should be displayed in a place where one can sit and contemplate the wonderful vastness of this land. As Canadians we are continuously groping for an identity and a sense of love for our nation. We grapple with the concept, find it somewhat distasteful and leave it for another day. We find American flag waving, hand over heart while belting out Oh, say, can you see... too much and avoid doing the same. We admire their national spirit, but Canadians are, in contrast, understated. To understand the identity that exists in our hearts think of our sweepingly majestic home, its quiet, serene beauty. A beauty recognizable to us all. We are proud of this nation and of who we are. We just don't say it. It's like the map. It just sits there on the wall displaying the lines of our coasts, the bulk of our waterways, and the breadth of our northern territories. Surveying all of this leaves me in awe. It brings a tear to my eye...O Canada...
- Debora O'Neil

Tillsonburg ( my favorite childhood memory, living near Tillsonburg, I heard this song lots, many of my friends got jobs working in the tobabcco fields, making $10-15 per hour, big money 35 years ago)

If you don't believe your country should come before yourself, you can better serve your country by livin' someplace else.
~ Stompin' Tom Connors

Across This Land with Stompin' Tom Connors

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success” N Hill

http://romeodallaire.sencanada.ca/en/p102770/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Matheson

News Release
________________________________________________________________________
National Flag Day
February 15, 2013

Committee Working to Raise Awareness of Canada’s National Flag and its links with Brockville, Ontario as its Birthplace

On February 15th Canada will celebrate National Flag Day. This day marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in hundreds of communities across Canada.

For most Canadians, the day will proceed with little fanfare or recognition. A group of Brockville residents is hoping to change this and is working to ensure that the upcoming 50th anniversary of the birth of Canada’s Flag on February 15, 2015 is a celebration worthy of our flag and what it stands for: a country that is the envy of the world.

The “50 Years of Our Flag Committee” has the following objectives;

• Raise awareness of the history and significance of the birth of a Canadian flag

• Commemorate the individuals who were instrumental in its inception

• Recognize the City of Brockville as the birthplace of the Canadian flag and John Ross Matheson as the Father of the Canadian flag

• Create legacy projects that will forever link the flag with the City of Brockville

•Inspire a new generation to take pride in the symbols of Canada

•Create a large commemorative event for February 15, 2015 in Brockville

At its Council Meeting of January 22, 2013 the City of Brockville unanimously endorsed a proposal presented by the “50 Years of Our Flag Committee” for the following initiatives to raise awareness of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the birth of Canada’s flag in 2015 and its connection to the City of Brockville.

Naming of the “John Ross Matheson Circle”

The City of Brockville supports the naming of the new circle created at the foot of Broad Street as the “John Ross Matheson Circle”. John Ross Matheson was the Member of Parliament for Leeds County and is considered to be the individual most responsible for the design and parliamentary proceedings known as the Great Flag Debate of 1964 which resulted in the birth of our flag which has flown proudly since February 15, 1965.

Flagpole at Court House Avenue

The City supports a project to erect a 100+ foot flagpole on Court House Avenue dedicated with a plaque to the anniversary of Canada’s flag.
Brockville as the Birthplace of the Canadian Flag

Birthplace

The City of Brockville will be recognized and promoted as the birthplace of the Canadian flag.

Commemorative Stamp

The committee will work with Canada Post to have a commemorative stamp created for the 50th anniversary.

Major Commemoration Event for February 15, 2015

A major celebration event will be planned for February 15, 2015 in Brockville to mark this special occasion.

The “50 Years of Our Flag Committee” will be working in partnership with municipal, provincial, federal and corporate partners to realize its many projects over the next two years.

For more information about the “50 Years of Our Flag” commemorations please contact:
Pam Buell
Media Relations
50 Years of our Flag Committee
613-345-0484

Barry King

I remember I stood at attention on Market East, 50 years ago as a young OPP officer with others including City Police and Fire, OPP, St John Ambulance, The Brocks, Corrections, Council, Federal and Provincial Officials. I believe it was MP Matheson who helped in the design or authorization of the new flag who helped raise it on top of City Hall. When it unfurled and blew in the wind, it was quite a sight to see in those days.

Brilliant White and Bright Red bars with a large centered Maple leaf. Simple, clean and most of all, the emotional aspect was because it was "Our Flag", Canada's Flag. And its been proudly flying ever since all over the world, representing us so well. CANADA we are so fortunate. Thank you !
21 hours ago

Finance Committee

R&T Article

http://www.blog.ca/media/document/article_r_t_jan_23_2013/6856551