So it’s finally our Victoria Day Long Weekend!

Victoria Day is a federal Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the last Monday on or before May 24, in honour of both Queen Victoria’s birthday and the current reigning Canadian sovereign’s official birthday (Queen Elizabeth’s actually birthday is the 21st of April 1926). It is also considered the beginning of the summer season in Canada. Woo Hoo!

Observed since before Canada was formed, it continues to be celebrated across the country with Royal salutes (21-gun salutes) being fired in each provincial capital and in the national capital at noon on Victoria Day.

*Courtesy Of YouTube & WinnipegChannel

The Royal Union Flag must be flown from sunrise to sunset at all federal government buildings — including airports, military bases, and other Crown owned property across the country — where physical arrangements allow (i.e. where a second flag pole exists, as the Royal Union Flag can never displace the national flag. Several cities will hold a parade on the holiday, with the most prominent being that which has taken place since 1898 in the monarch’s namesake city of Victoria, British Columbia. Incidentally, all through my high school years I was part of the Oak Bay Secondary High marching band where I tooted my saxophone in the parade for five years! In Toronto, there are evening fireworks shows held at Ashbridge’s Bay Beach in the east end of Toronto, and at Ontario Place. What Fun!

In honour of the Holiday, I did my own spin with this week’s Innovative Space ad in the Globe and Mail. You like?

Wishing you a relaxed long weekend!

~ Steven

Word On The Street