Info via Canada.ca
“Why the maple leaf?
While the design of the flag was new, it featured a familiar symbol that had a long history of use in Canada.
The maple leaf emerged in the 19th century as a symbol of Canadian identity and was everywhere in popular culture: books, songs, coins, badges, banners, and many other items. Generations of Canadians had already adopted the maple leaf as a symbol of their identity, but it is during the First World War — where it was used as the cap badge worn by members of the Canadian Expeditionary Force — that it became the most widely recognized emblem of the nation.
Most poignantly, it is a single maple leaf that is carved upon many of the headstones of Canadian service men and women who gave their lives in the 2 world wars.
For many, the maple leaf was a shared symbol of pride, courage and loyalty.”
