101 Interesting Facts About Canada ~ National Anthem

According to 101 Interesting Facts About Canada O Canada became the National Anthem in 1927.  That isn't exactly true.

A slightly modified version was officially published for the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation in 1927, and gradually it became the most widely accepted and performed version of this song but was not the official national anthem.

The tune was thought to have become the de facto national anthem after King George VI remained at attention during its playing at the dedication of the National War Memorial in Ottawa , Ontario, on May 21, 1939; though George was actually following a precedent set by his brother, Edward , the previous king of Canada , when he dedicated the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France in 1936.

In 1970, the Queen in Right of Canada purchased the right to the lyrics and music of "O Canada" from Gordon V. Thompson Music for $ 1. The song finally became the official national anthem in 1980 with the passage of the National Anthem Act. 

~ Wikipedia