An unsung chapter in Memorial University’s history more than five decades ago helped define Canada’s national identity.

Herman Batten, a 1933 graduate of Memorial University College, played a decisive role in helping choose the maple leaf design as this country’s national flag.

Sunday, Feb. 15, marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the maple leaf design and the first time it was flown over Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Mr. Batten chaired the Special Committee on a Canadian flag – the all-party Parliamentary committee tasked with making a final recommendation to the federal government. He was appointed by then Prime Minister Lester Pearson’s government.

Many members of the Memorial community are not aware of Mr. Batten’s special role in this country’s history, says local journalist and author Bill Callahan, who worked in Memorial’s Division of University Relations (now Marketing and Communications) in the 1980s.

“I knew him well,” said Mr. Callahan. “He played a notable role in that part of our country’s history.”

In 1964, the federal government fast-tracked the creation of a national flag so it would be adopted in time for the centennial celebrations in 1967.

Mr. Batten and the committee pored over thousands of concepts before shortlisting three designs and finally recommending the maple leaf to Parliament.

On Dec. 15, 1964, a motion passed in the House of Commons to adopt the current design. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed the maple leaf to take effect on Feb. 15, 1965.

“He was a dominating force in that session of Parliament,” said Mr. Callahan. “Batten was very commanding with a strong deep voice and when he was appointed to the flags committee, he ran it with an iron fist. He is the one who deserves the credit.”

Educator and politician
Born in 1909 in Bareneed, Conception Bay, Mr. Batten was educated at Bishop Feild College and Memorial before attending the New Haven Public School in Connecticut, as well as Acadia and Mount Allison universities. He became a well-known principal and school teacher on the province’s west coast before being elected Liberal Member of Parliament for the riding of Humber-St. George’s. He represented that district from 1953 to 1968. While serving in Parliament, Mr. Batten was also appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. After leaving federal politics, he briefly served as an advisor to former Premier Joey Smallwood.

“I would have first met him when I was in school and he was the principal of Corner Brook Public School,” said Mr. Callahan, who is currently writing his memoir about growing up in that city. The two renewed acquaintances when Mr. Batten returned from Ottawa to work with the Smallwood administration where Mr. Callahan served from 1966-71 before going on to a successful career as a journalist and editor with both the Daily News and the Telegram.

“I believe Herman Batten had an invaluable knowledge of the federal system,” he noted. “Out of Bareneed came this guy who gave Canada its everlasting symbol – that seems pretty interesting to me.”

Dr. Edward Roberts, who is an honorary degree recipient from Memorial and an alumnus of the Faculty of Arts, agrees. He remembers Mr. Batten’s time in federal politics and the role he played in deciding Canada’s new flag.

“I think he deserves a mention in the history of the nation,” said Dr. Roberts, who had a long and successful career in provincial politics, chaired Memorial’s Board of Regents and served as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. “It fell to him to chair the committee to make the recommendation. It was a challenging assignment and from my recollections passions ran very high.”

Mr. Batten passed way on Oct. 17, 1991, in Ottawa. At the time of his death, he was lauded for his leadership in helping decide Canada’s new flag

Since 1996, Feb. 15 has been recognized as this country’s National Flag Day.

This year Gov. Gen. David Johnston will participate in a ceremony in Ottawa to mark the 50th anniversary milestone and assist in unveiling a commemorative coin and stamp.

“The National Flag of Canada is so embedded in our national life and so emblematic of our national purpose that we simply cannot imagine our country without it. It stands for the people we are, the values we cherish and the land we call home,” Mr. Johnston said in a news release. “On the occasion of the flag’s 50th anniversary, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate this symbol of our identity.”

More about this year’s celebrations is available online.