This day in 1867 saw the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada, through the invocation of the British North America Act. The initial provinces involved were Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The others joined the Dominion over time, with the last being Newfoundland, in 1949.
In Newfoundland, July 1st is also a poignant day, for they honour their fallen of the Newfoundland Regiment of 1 July 1916, the first day of the battle of the Somme. At Beaumont Hamel, 778 went over the top, and within 30 minutes, 710 had been killed, wounded or went missing. When the roll was called the next morning, some 68 were on parade.
What some us still recognize as 'Dominion Day' was changed by government edict to 'Canada Day' in 1982.
In honour of all who have come before, both the standing and the Fallen, who collectively have made this country what it is, I present the flag of the Dominion of Canada.
