Quebec’s fleurdelisé turns 65
Marois announces annual flag day fête as province marks momentous anniversary
On Jan. 21, 1948, the fleurde-lis flew for the first time above the parliament building of Quebec’s National Assembly, during the administration of Maurice Duplessis.
The now-65-year-old Quebec flag, known as the fleurdelisé, replaced the Red Ensign, which featured the British Union Jack.
According to Mario Beaulieu, the president of the Société St. Jean Baptiste in Montreal, the distinct flag, made up of a white cross and four fleur-de-lys on a blue background, symbolizes Quebec unity.
The SSJB was founded in 1834 to protect and promote the French language, history and independence of Quebec.
“The adoption of the Quebec flag was a founding act for the people of Quebec,” Beaulieu said in a press release. “It reflects our identity and is the affirmation of our shared roots.”
Beaulieu said the flag extends beyond political and ideological differences, and serves as a unifying symbol and bearer of hope for all Quebecers.
Monday, Premier Pauline Marois announced Quebec will create its own annual flag day to fête the fleur-de-lis, every Jan. 21.
“The history of the fleurde-lis is a powerful one. It’s the history of all Quebecers. Let’s be proud,” Marois said.
Quebec will now have an annual event similar to the one created by the federal government in 1996. On Feb. 15 of that year, just months after the country nearly broke up in the Quebec referendum vote, the government of Jean Chrétien created the National Flag of Canada Day.
Celebrations took place Monday throughout Montreal to mark the flag’s anniversary.
Fleurdelisés were painted in the snow with food colouring at the entrance of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, as well as downtown.
Flags and leaflets explaining the history of the fleurdelisé were distributed at various métro stations.
At noon, an assembly at Complexe Desjardins took place, followed by a parade that ended at Camille-Laurin park.
Hundreds of flags were also planted in the snow at the park.
At 7 p.m. on Monday evening, historian Marcel Tessier hosted a tribute to the fleurdelisé at Maison Ludger-Duvernay on Sherbrooke St. W.