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Royal Canadian Air Force Association (RCAFA)
Canadian Military Veterans Unity Flag Project
THE CANADIAN MILITARY VETERAN UNITY (CMVU) FLAG
Major (Ret’d) Kent Smerdon CD
“FOR CANADA’S VETS”
PROJECT MOTIVATION:
After some personal thoughts last fall and some comprehensive research, I determined that currently, Canada's military veterans do not have a single unifying flag, emblem or symbol that would identify them as such to the public at large.
Those who have retired with sufficient time in uniform have their CDs, perhaps other medals and awards of distinction and their service pins. The newer service pins have added crowns to the bronze, silver and gold versions depending on lengths of service. Other than fellow veterans, it could be stated with some confidence that the general public would fail to recognize a service pin let alone what the pin means and what it stands for. Those who served with honour and diligence and were honourably discharged with less than 12 years of service may be very proud of their service but have nothing to show for their duty except a Certificate of Service or a CF-One card.
At Remembrance Day Parades and other days or functions commemorating wartime events, we put on our medals, we fly the Canada Flag, the CAF Ensign, the Legion Banner, unit, branch or affiliation flags, colours and badges etc., and of course, all wear the poppy during Remembrance Week. Then, all is put away for another year after the solemn ceremonies on the 11th and veterans virtually disappear from view.
According to the 2021 census, there are over 460,000 veterans living in Canada. There are close to 80 different veterans’ organizations in the country, the majority of them are organized around veterans of specific trades, classifications, units, branches or specialties. Yet there is no single emblem, universally recognizable, that Canadian military veterans can wear all year round that identifies them as such. Baseball hats, T-shirts etc. that sport military emblems can be purchased and worn by anyone. Vehicles with veteran licence plates are not always driven by veterans themselves. Even though there are dozens of veterans’ associations and regardless of service, branch, squadron, battalion, ship, or unit to which veterans are both loyal and justifiably proud, once retired, ALL are veterans. We all become the same in that sense.
There is a need for a wearable unifying symbol for Canada’s military veterans that would more publicly identify them (if they choose) and recognize their service to the nation and to the citizens of Canada. This emblem could do this.
THE CANADIAN MILITARY VETERAN UNITY FLAG
Smerdon©2025
“SIMPLICITY, INCLUSIVITY, CLARITY”
FLAG SYMBOLISM
COLOURS:
RED: Courage, sacrifice and the blood shed by our wounded veterans and the fallen.
WHITE: Peace, purity and the snows of Canada
THE “V”:
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Denotes Veteran in both official languages, valour or vaillance.
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The base denotes the solid foundation afforded by the rock of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canadian Shield and the Rocky Mountains.
THE WHITE MAPLE LEAF:
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Surrounding the red symbolizes the veteran’s role in the defense of the nation’s borders.
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Touching the “V” at three points symbolizes the three main branches of the CAF.
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Touching the top of the flag represents Canada’s territory extending to the top of the globe.
PROJECT AIMS:
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That the flag be recognized and adopted by the Federal Government as Canada’s Military Veterans National emblem;
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That November be declared National Veterans Month;
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That the flag be flown on Parliament Hill, at Federal and Provincial Government buildings and, at their discretion, at public schools and businesses during the month of November.
All proceeds for merchandise bearing the flag will go to veterans’ needs. The lapel pin version will be gifted only to veterans and qualified family members as a gesture of appreciation for their service.
To accomplish these worthy aims, we need YOUR personal or organizational support. See last page for details.
SUMMARY:
I strongly believe that this concept is long overdue. Virtually all who are aware of this project enthusiastically agree that Canada's military veterans be granted a unique and distinguished symbol to show or wear year-round if they wish. My vision is the flag design, worn as a lapel pin by veterans, proclaims to any onlooker in a striking yet respectful manner that "I served Canada in uniform". I would like to see the day when ALL Canadians know what this symbol means, who wears it, and why. Several Canadian causes or campaigns have flags, banners and entire months granted to them. Veterans get one day…and that needs to change.
TO CONTACT US
For suggestions, comments or questions, contact: canvetflag@gmail.com
Visit our website at: https://www.barrievets.com/cmvu-flag
DONATIONS/FLAG SALES WILL FUND THE LAPEL PINS WHICH ARE TO BE GIFTED TO OUR VETERANS. DONATIONS OF $500 OR MORE WILL BE ENTERED ON OUR VIRTUAL DONOR WALL
TO ORDER FLAGS
Numbered, signed and dated flags with grommets are offered in two sizes; 3X6Ft or 18X36 inches with a baseline donation amount of $100 and $50 respectively. Donations over and above will be gratefully accepted.
Contact canvetflag@gmail.com to request a flag ordering form to be sent to you OR click on the QR code below:
FLAG DONATION/PAYMENT OPTIONS:
#1 Via E-Transfer to canvetflag@gmail.com. There is no minimum. However, tax receipts will not be issued.
#2 Via cheque to “Canadian Veterans Flag” and mailed to:
Treasurer; CMVU Flag Project
154 Lillian Crescent Barrie ON
L4N 5X5
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE MAIL
When payment is received, your flag(s) will be shipped to your address.
TO DONATE ONLY
IF YOU WISH TO DONATE BUT YOU DO NOT WANT A FLAG.
Via credit card and the Canada Helps - RCAF Association Trust web page. Tax receipts will be issued to the donor. This page can be accessed in three ways:
A. Type “RCAFA Trust” into your browser. Scroll down and click on the Canada Helps-RCAFA Trust page. Click on “Campaigns(5)” at the top and scroll down to “Canadian Military Veterans Flag”. Follow the prompts.
B. By copying and pasting the link below into your browser.
C. Via this QR code. It will take you directly to the campaign donation page:
