(TLN) At noon last Jan. 21, a group of around 60 people, mostly elected officials and other dignitaries, paid homage to Quebec’s Fleur de Lys flag in a ceremony which took place outside Laval city hall.
All had accepted an invitation from the Société nationale du Québec to mark the 71st anniversary of the flag. The flag was first unveiled on Jan. 21, 1948 by the government of Premier Maurice Duplessis. It first flew on the flag pole at the Quebec Parliament building in Quebec City, replacing the Union Jack.
Fleur de Lys origins
Gilles Desroches, a historian, gave a presentation on the origins of the flag, with particular emphasis on the Fleurs de Lys. He suggested these elements of the flag were inspired by details which originated on a banner belonging to Clovis, king of the Franks during the 5th century.
Despite the cold, the flag in which millions of Québécois take pride was raised on the main mast outside Laval city hall while a musical piece paying tribute to the flag was played by musicians and accompanied by song words. The event culminated with a wine reception inside city hall courtesy of the mayor.
