FERGUS – Veteran John Flannery has taken it upon himself to create a Canadian patriotism movement for all citizens to follow.
“We need a focal point for the country,” Flannery told the Advertiser.
“Look at Ontario versus Quebec versus Alberta versus B.C.; we need something to remind everybody that we are one country.”
Almost two weeks ago, Flannery began buying large quantities of Canadian-themed merchandise and handed it out to businesses in Dufferin County.
Now he’s hoping to expand the campaign to Wellington County.
He buys pencils, pens, small Canadian flags, buttons and mugs – basically anything with a big red maple leaf on it. He then asks businesses to display said items so fellow shoppers can take one and “talk about the movement.”
His idea sprang to life when United States President Donald Trump, “stirred the pot” and “raised Canadian patriotism” with his talk of tariffs and Canada becoming the 51st state.
“Here’s an opportunity now to say, ‘hey, someone’s bothered our country. Let’s stand up and show what we’re made of’,” Flannery said.
He noted he’s using the Canadian flag as a symbol of unity.
“That’s about the only thing that goes from border to border, the flag,” he said.
“If you are Canadian and a patriotic Canadian, there’s your flag, follow the flag.”
Flannery joined the army in 1949 at age 18.
He was sent to the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canada’s senior armoured regiment, supported by the Regimental Family.
He has gained moral support from his Legion in Shelburne, but hopes his idea will “roll through the Legion system” to gain traction.
Alongside the Shelburne Legion, Flannery also belongs to Veterans of Dufferin County.
He said he has noticed a disconnect regarding the interest in Canadian patriotism between younger and older generations.
“They don’t teach it in school; there is a lot of Canadian history … we need to remember our roots,” he said.
“You should not be hiding it (patriotism) from day to day, you should be showing it.”
Flannery hopes to capture the interest of younger generations and urges them to learn the history at local libraries, Legions and/or museums.
“Donald Trump stirred the nest and all the hornets are getting angry here, so grab a flag and show it,” he said.
For more information or to help Flannery’s movement, call 519-942-4145.
