The Maple Leaf is turning 60, and Canadians are more proud of the flag than ever
Saskatoon Flag Shop says sales are booming like never before
The Maple Leaf turns 60 years old on Saturday and, in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's continued jabs at Canada, the nation's flag and its special day are gaining more attention than usual.
All five of Canada's living prime ministers released a letter Tuesday urging Canadians to fly their flags with pride, and their call seems to be working.
The Flag Shop Saskatoon has been bustling all week with patriotic Canadians purchasing flags.
Owner Judy Denham says this is the first year she's noticed people really celebrating the day. On Wednesday, she said, they sold more Canadian flags than they usually do in a week.
"Canadians in general have heard the call and want to show their pride in Canada — want to show that we are true Canadians and we plan to stay that way," she said.
While she wishes the circumstances were different, Denham hopes more and more Canadians will display the Maple Leaf irrespective of political rhetoric.
One of her customers says he made sure the flag was made in Canada, and plans on only supporting local products from now on.
"Because we're a sovereign nation and nobody's ever going to take us over, particularly that fellow," Robert Wawryk said. "And I've never seen Canadians so upset about something in my entire life and I'm not a young guy anymore. And I'm really charged up about it … being a Canadian is the best thing in the world."
He says even when he goes to the grocery store he likes to read the labels and make sure he's not buying anything that coming from south of the border.
"It's really important that people do come to the flag shop and buy flags. Everybody should put a flag up tomorrow, even if it's minus-40 [C]. It's very important to show the United States that we really are strong and behind Canada," Wawryk said.
Karen Clothier decided to visit the shop on Friday after seeing the letter from the PMs.
"I don't really care right now what political background you are, but we are Canadian and we need to stand strong as Canadians and united," Clothier said. "And, again, politics shouldn't play into this. It's just that Canada is Canada and we're Canadian people,"