Ottawa, Canada - February 15, 2025 The tariff threats from the United States and the so-called "becoming America's 51st state" have caused strong dissatisfaction among Canadians, which has increased enthusiasm for celebrating the National Flag of Canada Day on Saturday. In the past, most Canadians did not raise or display the national flag on Feb 15, and many do not even know there is a National Flag Day. But this year, the threats from the U.S. has aroused Canadians' pride and patriotism. Canadians began to enthusiastically celebrate the National Flag Day as a way to say "No" to the U.S. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag's adoption. In a joint statement, all Canada's living former prime ministers called on Canadians to hang the national flag with unprecedented pride to express their love for the country and their determination to defend Canada's independence. Flag-raising ceremonies were held across Canada around Saturday, and some iconic landmarks lit up in the colors of the Canadian flag at night. Many residents purchased flags at local shops. "We're here today (Saturday) because we want to buy, for the first time in our lives, our Canadian flag. And I think it's a very important time in our lives as Canadians to publicly and openly express our love for our country," said Margaret Franz, a resident. "This year is an exceptional year with what's going on in the world. I think the patriotism has really increased. We've been receiving a lot of calls from people that want to have Canada flags, so we've seen a big increase in the demand. We would say, probably, quadruple sales for this time of year," said Julia Izadi, owner of a flag shop. In addition to the surge in flag sales, many Canadians have started to pay attention to buy goods produced in the country and boycotting American products. Some have even canceled trips to and plans for receiving education in the U.S. "We are trying to buy as much Canadian as we can, just hopefully endure as long as this whole thing goes on," said Katherine Horan, a customer. A recent survey shows that Canadians' national pride has been declining over the past few decades, but has risen sharply in the past two months. Canadians who are "very proud" of their country has risen about 10 percent in the last two months. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday on his trip to Europe that U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened annexation of Canada is "never going to happen," local media reported. SHOTLIST: FILE: Ottawa, Canada - Date Unknown 1. Various of Parliament buildings, Canadian national flag; Ottawa, Canada - Feb 15, 2025 2. Flags, banners shop; 3. Customers at shop; 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Margaret Franz, resident (partially overlaid with shot 5): "We're here today (Saturday) because we want to buy, for the first time in our lives, our Canadian flag. And I think it's a very important time in our lives as Canadians to publicly and openly express our love for our country."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 5. Badges of Canadian national flag; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. Various of Canadian national flags for sale; 7. SOUNDBITE (English) Julia Izadi, flag shop owner (ending with shot 8): "This year is an exceptional year with what's going on in the world. I think the patriotism has really increased. We've been receiving a lot of calls from people that want to have Canada flags, so we've seen a big increase in the demand. We would say, probably, quadruple sales for this time of year."; 8. Various of workers making Canadian national flags; 9. Various of food on shelves; 10. SOUNDBITE (English) Katherine Horan, customer: "We are trying to buy as much Canadian as we can, just hopefully endure as long as this whole thing goes on."; 11. Customers shopping. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]