Somehow Canada Day feels a little different to me this year. A year ago, Joan and I took a couple of days off and went to our nation’s capital to mark the occasion. Despite the rain, we had a wonderful time. It was great to be “on the hill” with our red shirts on along with about a million of our closest friends, listening to concerts by the likes of Sarah McLaughlin and others. We thoroughly enjoyed wandering around Majors Hill Park looking at different exhibits or acts, and visiting the bookstores and restaurants in Byward Market. We even watched the fabled RCMP musical ride! It is a great way to spend Canada day, and we decided it is something every Canadian should do at least once in their lifetime.
Since then, a lot has happened. The winter Olympics was a wonderful success, even if Canadian pride was somewhat over the top at times. With a record metal count and our hockey teams winning gold, most if not all of us felt a great glow of pride in our young nation.
Perhaps it is the recent events at the G-20 Summit in Toronto that has tempered my enthusiasm this year. The apparent infiltration of well organized and thoughtful protest marches by those bent on ‘disruption by destruction’ is not something we are used to seeing on our streets. The enormous amount of money spent on security seemed absurd until the riots proved it necessary. The fact that our largest city was reduced to a police state for a weekend is extremely troubling. I suppose it points to how much we take Canadian civility and freedom for granted, and reminds us once again how easily it can all be changed. We were reminded that Canadians are not immune to the problems of the world.
Or perhaps it is the fact that a member of our extended family, a soldier, is now on duty in Afghanistan that has my enthusiasm quieted; the constant reminder that our country is still at war. I have to admit that I hold my breath a little now whenever the news tells of another Canadian soldier who has died. I worry a little more, for him and for his wife and children.
Despite these sobering realities, there is still much to celebrate and even more to be thankful for. After all, we live in a country with enormously diverse beauty and people who reflect the best of culture from around the globe. Further, we still live in one of the absolute best countries on the planet. In fact, the last United Nations Human Development Report listed only Norway, Australia and Iceland above Canada in its ranking of 182 countries and the quality of life of their citizens. Is it any wonder we sing with pride, Oh Canada, our home and native land!
So Happy 143rd Birthday, Canada!
May your grace and diversity continue to be a source of pride, and may we never take your abundant blessings for granted.
Posted by Carman
Since then, a lot has happened. The winter Olympics was a wonderful success, even if Canadian pride was somewhat over the top at times. With a record metal count and our hockey teams winning gold, most if not all of us felt a great glow of pride in our young nation.
Perhaps it is the recent events at the G-20 Summit in Toronto that has tempered my enthusiasm this year. The apparent infiltration of well organized and thoughtful protest marches by those bent on ‘disruption by destruction’ is not something we are used to seeing on our streets. The enormous amount of money spent on security seemed absurd until the riots proved it necessary. The fact that our largest city was reduced to a police state for a weekend is extremely troubling. I suppose it points to how much we take Canadian civility and freedom for granted, and reminds us once again how easily it can all be changed. We were reminded that Canadians are not immune to the problems of the world.
Or perhaps it is the fact that a member of our extended family, a soldier, is now on duty in Afghanistan that has my enthusiasm quieted; the constant reminder that our country is still at war. I have to admit that I hold my breath a little now whenever the news tells of another Canadian soldier who has died. I worry a little more, for him and for his wife and children.
Despite these sobering realities, there is still much to celebrate and even more to be thankful for. After all, we live in a country with enormously diverse beauty and people who reflect the best of culture from around the globe. Further, we still live in one of the absolute best countries on the planet. In fact, the last United Nations Human Development Report listed only Norway, Australia and Iceland above Canada in its ranking of 182 countries and the quality of life of their citizens. Is it any wonder we sing with pride, Oh Canada, our home and native land!
So Happy 143rd Birthday, Canada!
May your grace and diversity continue to be a source of pride, and may we never take your abundant blessings for granted.
Posted by Carman
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No one could have said it better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts this great day - Happy Birthday Canada and to all who live in this great country - God bless each and everyone of you living here at home and abroad.
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