Forty-five years ago Monday, the Maple Leaf was raised for the first time above Parliament as Canada's new official flag.

Now the distinctive red-and-white emblem is Miriam's new official flag as well.

A refugee from Zimbabwe, Miriam was sworn in as a Canadian citizen Monday along with 50 others during a special ceremony downtown.

To the 42-year-old security guard, who endured violence and persecution in her birth country, holding the ceremony on Flag Day was particularly meaningful. For her, the Maple Leaf stands as a symbol of the peace and dignity she cherishes in her new home.

"To me, it's about opportunity, freedom of expression, educational choice and a place where people treat each other with respect," she said.

Though she feels safe in Canada, Miriam said she can't shake her fear of the Zimbabwean government, which is why she didn't want her last name published. She still vividly remembers her last few years in the African country, when she ran afoul of President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party by openly backing the opposition.

In 1999, militias supporting the government went after her.

"They broke into my home and beat me up," she said. "They said, 'You support Zanu-PF or you'll get what you deserve.' "

Miriam said she'd like to return to Zimbabwe for a visit someday when the political situation improves, but Canada is now home.

"This is where I want to be. I love it here, except for the weather."

Flag Day this year coincided with Alberta's Family Day holiday, which was fitting for some of the other new Canadians.

Syed Ullah, his wife and their three children took their oaths of citizenship. The family has been in Canada five years since arriving from Pakistan.

"We came for a better future, for freedom and for education," said Ullah, a machinist. "Back there, there is too much trouble."

Ullah said he has been quickly adapting to some Canadian traditions. He watched the opening ceremonies of Vancouver's Winter Olympics last week, and plans to watch some of the Olympic hockey games on TV.

"My favourite is cricket, but hockey is good, too," he said.

Manish Shah, originally from India, said he most values Canada's multicultural spirit.

"People come from all over the world to Canada," Shah said, shortly after taking part in the ceremony with his wife Nishita and son Rishi.

"We're really proud to be a part of that. The only thing is the cold. It's plus-35 C in India, minus-35 C here."

The Edmonton Journal