'I was so proud': 98-year-old military widow continues flag-raising tradition

Every year on the first Sunday in May, 98-year-old Blanche MacAleer raises the Royal Canadian Naval Ensign at her home in Stratford.

She keeps the flag up until Remembrance Day as a way to honour her late husband and two brothers, who all served in the Second World War.

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"They were very very dedicated men," she said as the flag was raised in her front yard Sunday. "They were devoted to their country and to the people."

Neighbour offered help

Three years ago, MacAleer's longtime neighbour, Master Seaman David MacPherson of HMCS Queen Charlotte, offered to help raise the flag. And then last year, he asked MacAleer and his commanding officer if he could include the flag-raising as part of a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

"I was so proud," MacAleer said. "I was so proud."

MacPherson said nobody symbolizes the life of a military wife more than "Mrs. MacAleer."

'A go-getter'

"She was always known to be the first person out to rake her lawn, to shovel off her driveway, to get things done," MacPherson said. "So, she's always been a go-getter and I guess I just wanted to help pay back and honour her with this nice flag-raising ceremony."

It's now the first ceremony of the day for HMCS Queen Charlotte, prior to its Battle of the Atlantic parade.

MacAleer said she hopes the tradition continues for as long as she's around.

"I thought it was very beautiful, very nice."

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