How the Maple Leaf Became the Symbol of Canada

How the Maple Leaf Became the Symbol of Canada
A Mountie poses for a photo at a Flag Day celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 15, 2017. The Canadian Press/ Patrick Doyle
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Canada may be famous for its maple syrup, love of hockey, and the CN Tower, but its most recognized symbol continues to be the maple leaf.

The maple leaf became the official symbol of Canada in 1965 when the iconic red and white flag was raised for the first time, but it served as the unofficial symbol of the Great White North for more than a century prior to that event.

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