By all accounts, this past weekend saw citizens far and wide enjoy the country’s 146th birthday on July 1.
The notion of a Canadian identity, the series of small things that add up to be Canadian, remains hard to define. We all think of our country differently.
While attending festivities on the shores of Lake Huron in Kincardine, an expatriate home for a visit spoke of her fondness for Canada. Now living in Japan, her memories of home were cherished and this was a chance for her new family to see the place about which she so often speaks.
In her address to the crowd she spoke of other North American expatriates who quickly became a social circle enjoying Thanksgiving and other holidays together. Our cultural pastimes are missed when living abroad.
One of the better ideas we have seen at such a gathering was to explain respect for the raising of the flag and the anthem.
Oddly, a co-worker had commiserated earlier in the week how annoyed she gets when grown men don’t take off their ball caps when the anthem plays. Others yet, don’t even try to sing along when given the chance.
Perhaps our laid back, go-along-to-get-along attitude as Canadians needs a little adjustment. It is our flag and anthem after all.
Although the holiday is rightly recognized on July 1st, fireworks late into the night made for a long ride home. Apart from a late night coffee, thoughts of what it is to be Canadian weighed on our mind.
The enormity of this country is such that it is practically impossible to muster up a phrase or sentence that captures what a Canadian is.
From the lobster fisherman in the Atlantic to the French culture of Quebec, to the industries and farms of Ontario, flowing wheat in the prairies and oil riggers of the plains, to the salmon fishermen of the Pacific and all points in between, Canada’s vastness lends itself to celebrating so many awesome things.
When a person accepts that they are part of something much bigger than themselves, or their individual cultures, it seems to us they have learned what it is to be Canadian.
Canada Day remains a cause for hurray. We’re glad so many took time to celebrate.
