News & Info... Maple Leaf Forever The Maple Leaf Forever was written by Alexander Muir in Canada's confederation year,1867. It has been regarded as Canada's National Song for decades. According to local tradition, one day in the fall of 1867, Alexander Muir (who was then the principal of the Leslieville Public School) was strolling along the pathway that is now Laing Street when a Maple leaf floated down and clung persistently to his sleeve. He tried to brush it off, then jokingly remarked ‘the Maple leaf for ever.’ He then wrote the poem which he fitted to his own music. Despite doubts about its age the anecdotal nature of the legend attached to it, the Silver Maple and adjacent house at 62, Laing Street in Toronto have become a shrine for English-Canadian patriots. Plaques were placed on the site in 1937 and 1958 (the second by the Grand Orange Lodge of British America), and in 1981 both the tree and Maple Cottage were listed as heritage properties because of the long-standing neighbourhood tradition that the tree inspired Muir. The Maple Leaf Forever by Alexander Muir, 1867 In days of yore, from Britain's shore Wolfe, the dauntless hero came And planted firm Britania's flag On Canada's fair domain! Here may it wave, our boast, our pride And joined in love together The Thistle, Shamrock, Rose entwine The Maple Leaf forever! The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear The Maple Leaf forever! God Save our Queen and Heaven Bless The Maple Leaf forever! At Queenston Heights and Lundy's Lane Our brave fathers, side by side For freedom, homes, and loved ones dear Firmly stood, and nobly died. And those dear rights, which they maintained We swear to yield them never! Our watchword evermore shall be "The Maple Leaf Forever"! Our fair Dominion now extends From Cape Race to Nootka Sound May peace forever be our lot And plenteous store abound. And may those ties of love be ours Which discord cannot sever And flourish green o'er Freedom's home The Maple Leaf Forever On merry England's far-famed land May kind Heaven sweetly smile God bless Old Scotland evermore And Ireland's Emerald Isle! Then swell the song, both loud and long ! Till rocks and forests quiver God save our Queen and Heaven Bless The Maple Leaf forever! The lyrics were subsequently changed to make them politically correct. < Previous Page 46 Modern Rd. Toronto M1R 3B6, Phone 416 755 9263 EX.222, Fax 416 759 2852 Copyright © 2005, Maple Leaves Forever Web Site Design and Development by: Apex Internet Solutions