# Raise High the Banner explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

On July 1st, 1891, school children led by Messrs. McDiarmid and Underwood participate in a ceremony raising a banner that combines the Maple Leaf and Union Jack, celebrating national pride and freedom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Local Patriotism and Regional Pride

The banner raising ceremony emphasizes local and national pride, with children honoring a standard that combines the Maple Leaf and Union Jack.

## Key lines

> Raise high up the banner O’er both school-house and manor, For this glorious standard Doth lead on in the vanguard.

Lift the banner high above the school and the manor, because this splendid flag leads the way at the front.

_The poem calls for the banner to be raised prominently as a symbol of leadership and pride._

> Children sang in happy manner At the raising of the banner; They followed leader all so good, For they were led by Underwood.

The children sang joyfully as the banner was raised, following their excellent leader Underwood.

_Describes the cheerful participation of school children under the guidance of Mr. Underwood._

> And our brave youths will man her, This pure, unspotted banner; Where the Maple Leaf entwines And with Union Jack combines.

Our courageous young people will tend this clean, unstained flag, where the Maple Leaf is intertwined with the Union Jack.

_Highlights the fusion of Canadian and British symbols in the banner, representing unity and purity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/raise-high-the-banner
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters