This was first spotted in Canada 47 years ago today

Today is National Flag Day of Canada and marks 47 years since our nation officially adopted the flag we currently wave proudly.

Created by George Stanley and John Matheson, the red and white Maple Leaf design based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada was chosen from three submissions after Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson appointed a 15-member committee in 1964 to select a suitable replacement for the Red Canadian Ensign.

Although not officially adopted by Parliament as Canada's national flag, variations of the Canadian Red Ensign were used to represent the nation between 1868 and 1965 "wherever place or occasion may make it desirable to fly a distinctive Canadian flag."

The adoption of Canada's national flag sparked a six-month debate in the House of Commons which ended on December 15, 1964.

The current red and white Maple Leaf flag was not Prime Minister Pearson's first choice, preferring what is commonly known as the "Pearson Pennant" design which he felt best represented Canada's history, tradition, and motto, "From Sea to Sea".

He also wanted to eliminate the United Kingdom's Union Jack as a component of Canada's identity.

Former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition John Diefenbaker opposed the replacement of the Red Canadian Ensign, as he and the Conservative Party launched a six-week filibuster in the House of Commons.

During this time, the Canadian public submitted more than 3,500 flag suggestions, 2,136 of which contained the Maple Leaf as a design element.

Only 408 included the Union Jack.

It wasn't until one of Diefenbaker's senior members, Leon Balcer, and other Francophone party members swung behind the Liberal Party that the flag committee's choice was accepted by a vote of 163 to 78.

A Royal Proclamation was signed by Queen Elizabeth II on January 28, 1965 approving the Maple Leaf design, making it Canada's official flag.

Inauguration took place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 15, 1965 as the Canadian Red Ensign was lowered and the Maple Leaf was raised.

National Flag Day of Canada has been celebrated since February 15, 1996.