Oh, Canada!
Flickr photo by deaf dude
So much of our lives are spent worrying about what is going on in other countries through news of elections, wars and stocks. But on July 1st, all my thoughts are going to be red and white for a day.
On Canada Day, we can all celebrate what brings us together instead of worrying about our heritage, language and religion. We all love Canada and that should be good enough. We can show off all those crazy stereotypes that make us one of the best countries in the world.
No matter how much we complain about our cold winters and short summers, this is a pretty amazing country to live in. I’ve decided that I want to try to spend Canada Day watching the fireworks in a different city each year, so that I will be able to see more of this country.
Because our country is so multicultural, it can sometime be hard to define who we are. Whether you think of poutine, beer or hockey, there is definitely something connecting us all that make us proud of our country.
Join us in celebrating our Canadian culture by telling our Yahoo! Canada Editors what being a Canadian means to you.
Happy Canada Day!
Stephanie
I think canada day is to celebrate a wonderful country that is both peaceful and caring and is friendly to all other countries races and people
For me everyday is Canada Day. I am really proud being in a country which is so open to people of the world and accepting cultures from any part of the world. It is so cool be a Canadian. I came in as an immigrant to this country 3 year ago and today this country has given me so much in life that I owe it so much. Thank You Canada for being a part of this globe and I wish every one who lives in Canada a great Canada Day.
I really don’t need a special day to celebrate Canada, I am so proud to be Canadian that although I do not agree with all that is going on in this country my heart swells with pride knowing I am free to even disagree and it’s alright. Canada means freedom to have a opinion.. I just am proud of that red maple leaf and wish that there was a better way than flying flag in the front of my house
I will celebrate Canada Day by Praying for Quebec Independance from Canada.
Being Canadian means that you are living in the best country in the world. Although there are many problems, I value our Health Care system. From being on Yahoo! Answers, Religion and Spirituality, I value the freedom from religion we have in Canada. You are not judged here, whether you are seen attending a church or not. In fact, church attendance is very low in Canada. I wouldn’t say that it is because we are a country full of atheists. I think it is because we are not brainwashed into thinking you must attend a church in order to access god. People have strong beliefs, but they keep them to themselves knowing it is not nessicary for each person to believe the same as themselves. One thing that really concerns me, is the eagerness of our Government to sell off our precious land to foreigners. Soon we will be living in a land that has been sold from beneath our feet.
Yamster,
July 1st is Canada Day
In 1867 the country of Canada was discovered
one hundred years later in 1967 Canada had its Centennial
The song Maple leaf forever was the anthem
now its O Canada
From 1867 until October 17th, 1982 it was known as Dominion Day
I am a Canadian and have been for years
I was born in Canada
July 1st there is Canada day celebrations
in a park in Saskatoon
there is the Canadian Flag
my hat-umbrella is the maple leaf
the birthday cake is the shape of the flag.
singing of O Canada I have done it through sign language afew times.
I just became Canadian 2 weeks ago. VERY proud to be a Canadian, after living here for almost 4 years. I come form a different culture, religion, race, language… I have never felt discriminated for a day. I have made friends from day 1, who are now my family away from home. We take the free medical care here for granted, but I know how important it is, and how expensive it can be in other parts of the world. I love Canada, I am happy that my children will grow up in a country with no racism, social security, excellent medical care and the best education.
This year, on Canada day, we’re having a celebration at a park near my house. Most of the city’s going to be there and I’m going to play “O Canada” on flute with my friend.
I am dissapointed with Canadians today. It is hard to find anyone with flags flying or evident on their properties. When I was a young lad (now 81) we used to have several flags, large and small and red, white and blue bunting draped around the front of the house.
It was great time for celebration.
Come on Canada show some pride and fly a flag.
I celebrate Canada everyday! Its truly the best place to be!! I gives me such honour and pride to live in a country where I can be free, accepted and have a say! I love Canada, Always be Canadian and i am happy to share this pride with 33 million other canadians!
Happy Birthday Canada and Happy birthday Canadians!
on Canada Day we celebrate Canadas birthday and it is also mine on that day we go and watch the parade walk around the park for awhile watch the events in the park eat lunch then move to another park for evening concerts and then the grand finale watching the fireworks happy birthday Canada and to the rest of you whose bithday is on this day enjoy have a great day and be safe
On Canada day, I will not show off anything. Like any day. But I can assure you that deep inside I am really proud of my country. People tend to forget all that we have. They complain about corruption, ethnicities, bad streets, gangs, drugs… Well I don’t. I went through a lot of bad things here. I have had a cliché hard core life filled with pain and misery right here in Canada and I am still struggling big time today. None of that will ever make me change my mind. My country is a great country. Friendly and peaceful. For the ones that do not agree, go have a look elsewhere! Make a good research. Look close at the statistics and see for yourself! A country is made by the people who live in. If you want a great country, go by example and be a good person. Don’t download songs or movies, stop trying to save on income taxes and the next time you get robbed, don’t lie to your insurance… This is what I do on Canada day; I straighten my beliefs and remember who I am. A Canadian!
Canada day is everyday, as I am 100% proud of being a (French) Canadian. I love living in a country where you can walk down the street safely and people smile as you walk by. When I travel, I have a red maple leaf on all my lugguage, and I pull my shoulders back and keep my head high when I tell others that I am from Canada. I’m so glad I live in this beautiful, accepting, peaceful, amazing country, where I can speak my mind freely, stand up for what I believe in, know I won’t be discriminated for my culture, race, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. I probably won’t do anything special on Canada Day, because anyday of the year I am proud and feel extremely blessed and lucky to be a Canadian girl.
going to park with family
To celebrate Canada Day means to be happy in all parts of Canada including all provinces and to stay like that forever togeather for Canada to be stronger and powerful for the good of the world.Always to rule humanity, families and peace.To be a Canadian is to be role model for everyone an example for any undeveloped country.To be a canadian is something that really means for all residents in Canada.
we are very proud of being born in canada, talking to others from around the world that is from undeveloped and underprevilage countries makes us understand that we are very lucky to be born into freedom of speach and making our own choices:eg. choosing our soulmate and never have to wander where our next meal will come from. Canada protects us and our health. we put our heads up hi and we are proud to say: ( YES ) we are proud canadians and lucky we were able to be born here, no matter our culture. THANK-YOU AND HAPPY CANADA’S DAY
I have been to Canada three years in a row during “Canada Day”. How beautiful of a country you have. Some day I will live in Canada for the outdoor adventures (Canadian Rockies) and scenery.
i think being canadian is the right to be free!
I live in Quebec, and here, it’s almost dangerous to say we love Canada in it’s totality. But i do. I love to think that i am living in this beautiful and vast country, that i could spend years travelling it and still be surprised and find places i never been. I am a real proud canadian girl, and on Canada day, i’ll say it out loud ..while others around me are shouting me to shut up i guess!
hehe!
I have one of those Canadian flag umbrellas I can wear on my head
On my avatar I put a Canadian Flag
in the background
otherwise I can still see the fireworks
Canada Day.
Being in a country where I know I count. I can have an opinion without a Government or Lonely hearts group tracking me down.
We are ALWAYS about doing the Right Thing –no matter what. WE focus on the big picture
CANADA–Remain strong elect the right leader(s) with a plan for us not a shadow govt as we have now. WE all matter as we are CANADIANS
HAPPY CANADA DAY,
we are a great country… and will be even greater
once we find an honest government and politicians
who truly cares for the canadian people, instead of their own agenda and lobby group.
I am very proud to be CANADIAN. I will be in the Canada Day Parade tomorrow in my home city. I have to ride on an electric scooter but that is fun anyway. After the parade I am volunteering down at the park. I am 59 and have lived in Canada all of my life and always been proud of that. Being CANADIAN means the world to me.
Canada is a great country to live and thrive in our free market system. We are also a very forgiving bunch of people that enjoy interacting with each others cultures. There is so much to like about this country that a celebration of Canada day is fitting. I would also like to say an early Happy 4th of July to our great friends in the USA. Our friendship has enabled both our countries to thrive and grow. Happy Canada Day everyone!
I celebrate canada with waking up in the morning thanking God that I am in free country where I can express my feeling, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and best of all Canadian respect all the backgrounds religion or culture by living and enjoying the multiculturalism rich in culture, events and foods. I certainly am proud of being canadian and having more opportunity then any other country in the world and I appreciate the generosity of Canada to others in need.I Love Canada and Canadian .
I love Canada. My birthday’s on Canada Day, so I’ve two reasons to celebrate. It truely is a great country.
Happy Canada day everyone!
I was born and raised in this country, and same with my parents- and most of there parents! I love Canada, even though it is continuously changing. My dad is 100% proud that he finally went out and bought a flag, and then yelled at me for folding it… by accident of course. Tomorrow we’re going to have a large BBQ and dress up in red+white, and party of course, maybe go and catch some fireworks. That’s how we’re celebrating.
I am very proud to be Canadian and as many people said above every day is Canadian for me too, but I am starting to worry about how Americanized our country is getting and I think all Canadians should be as well take a look at our icons that many still think are Canadian Tim Hortons was bought out by Wendys(American) HBC bought by an American even Molson Canadian is owed by Coors(American) these are just a few examples the list go’s on whats next Canadian Tire???? and just a few days ago I hear that someone is recomending that foreign owenership restrictions be relaxed or even dropped for our brodcasting system, mining and airlines and the CRTC is now talking about letting all the big U.S. networks into Canada sure we will have more channels but then all the Canadian networks will get put out of business because thay will not be able to compete with the big U.S. networks. We as Canadians should not put up with this Americanization any longer and stand up for whats ours so that there is a Canada left for our children and future generations just something to think about this Canada Day.
I love to be Canadian, especialy because we are all the children of in migration, first, second, third, fourth generation it is the same, all the people making this big country came from all over the world, the result is we are truly multicultural. Some people forget sometime that their ancestors arrived here only four generations,ago; Is almost as if you arrive early to the movies you have more rigth to see it?? Arriba Canada my country, happy birthaday
My father was a WWII vet and always took great pride in being Canadian. He would tear up when ever he heard O Canada and until the year before he died he always went to Rememberance day services. To him Canada was the best country in the world ! And for me growing up in this household being Canadian was something to be proud of. We fly the Canadian flag, we go to the parade, I wear my Canada shirt and funky hat, and wind down the day with fire works. And at the end of the day I say Thanks Dad and to all the soldiers who defend our freedom. Happy Canada Day !
I’ve lived in four different countries on three continents, and visited a number of countries more for shorter periods, and yes: Canada is a young country, doesn’t have much history, and doesn’t have a lot of buildings that are centuries old - and for that very reason could learn to avoid the mistakes other countries have made. Most importantly, a Canadian is a free individual, recognized and respected for being an individual human being, for being who he or she is. It’s true that this hasn’t always been the case everywhere in the country; but the ideal is there, and it’s a serious ideal, and the seriousness is proven by the efforts to set straight the wrongs that have been committed against this ideal in the past.
Right now I’m not living in Canada. I live in a European city where there’s a Canadian consulate, and when I walk through the street where it is and I see our simple, distinct, bright and happy flag flying in front of the building, I feel happy.
Celebrate Canada day every day of the year! Just think how lucky you are to be a Canadian!! We standon guard for thee!!
I really loved the comment from the lady in PQ. Shout it loud my dear, maybe the rest there will hear you. Im proud of you all!! My home and native land!!
I’m proud of you Canada, I was really really happy that i give birth a baby boy in canada,i orginal from asia,and here i found something to make me comfort to stay in canada.everything is wonderfull here, i wish i will be canadian someday because im the mother of canadian boy.
HappY birthday CANADA. I love , I wish Canada always be fair for everyone. thanks for justice here. and thanks to be nice for us. Love You always.
Being Canadian is being able to appreciate and to be proud ofthe amazing land we live in. From snowy mountain tops to the great lakes and plaines, we are rich in ressources. I am very thankfull for everything that i have been provided with, most notably good beer, good healthcare, good hockey and great scenery. What more can a person ask for to enjoy life to its fullest. Cheers ( in advance) to my fellow canadians.
Happy Canada Day to all our New Canadians, and the Old Originals. I t is one fine country; one I am very proud to have been born in, and lived in all my life. To one and all “We stand on guard for thee.” Have a safe and happy Canada Day!
barbk
canada is paradise on earth of course it has its short comings but where else in this world can you walk in the street sporting a religious sympol talking a different language criticizing the goverment in english,or french and feel a real and true freedom I love canada a citizen the last thirty seven years.HAPPY CANADA DAY ONE AND ALL .we will celebrate with all my family (canadians ,french and english,friends,and neighbors.
As I spend yet another Canada Day in some far flung corner of the world, away from my friends and family, I am comforted by the above words of my fellow Canadians. It is so nice to see such pride in our wonderful country. I came to Canada as a very young child and have never had the urge to return to the country of my birth. I grew up Canadian and I have seen enough of the world to know without a doubt that I never want to live anywhere else. Let those who would break this country up go to Bosnia to see what ethnic division can do to a beautiful land. Or perhaps those who cannot forget their petty squabbles should come to Haiti to see the results of people who cannot bring themselves to work together for the common good. Yes we have problems in Canada, but nothing like the problems of other countries. I am currently serving in a country where the greeter at the grocery store carries a shotgun. I wear a maple leaf on my shoulder and carry a gun in a foreign country in hopes that I can help make it better and more importantly so that I can return home and not have to. It’s worth noting that Canada Day is the day we celebrate the fact that we gained our independence by asking nicely and that’s something to pretty proud of.
Canada, arguably the best country in the world, I find sadly is often taken for granted and unappreciated by those she opens her arms to. Always at the ready at every opportunity to unfurl the flags of their countries of origin, but almost never the Canadian flag. Where else do you not have to worry from cradle to grave if you get sick, broke etc. no questions asked. There are other countries that if you get sick you could end up on a waiting list for all eternity unless you can produce a big fat stuffed envelope(talk about such systematic reverence for the Hippocratic oath!). But at least some leave their wardrobe(if not much else) back home in their villages full of ….
Being Canadian means we live in a beautiful country that experiences all 4 seasons. Our culture is such, that many other countries consider us as peace keepers and friends. Just to be Canadian, we should all be proud. After all, we’re not the most hated country (and superpower) in the world. Being a Canadian means the we enjoy more of the freedoms we want, without all of the consequences of our neighbors. Happy Canada Day everyone.
Hey! I am a Canadian who has been stuck in Australia for 9 months now. But I have formed myself a group of other Canadians who are going to celebrate this National Day of ours right here in Australia. Parade the streets of Sydney with our Canadian Flags and celebrate with a Canadian Beer!
YAY CANADA DAY!
I am a Canadian living in Indiana and today my American husband and I are departing on a two week trip to Kentucky and Tennessee. My husband is flying the Canadian flag outside our front door. He also put together a CD of George Fox’s songs from the album, “Canadian,” which I obtained from iTunes. We will listen to it during our travels. I am going to put a Canadian flag temporary tatoo on my arm today, and a Candian flag decal on our car. I’ll also be bringing my Canadian flag key chain and mini Canadian flag lapel pins (to hand out to others) on our trip. Finally, I’ll have a smaller cloth flag with me in the car, so that I can wave it at those I see who have Canadian license plates. Living in the United States has made me extra proud to be Canadian. I’m an “invisible immigrant,” but I NEVER truly feel American. I love the fact that I “represent” my country to those whom I meet, as I always proudly proclaim where I come from. I can’t think of a better country to be representing! Happy Canada Day to all of you…wherever in the world you might be.
Canada is where I grew up,
played my first baseball game,
had my first kiss,
buried my grandfather,
had my first beer,
learned to drive,
its where my family and friends are,
Its where I would be proud to raise my kids,
its what I tell people I am.
Canada is a part of me, it is where I spent most of my wonderful life, and I’m forever thankful!
Thanks Canada and happy birthday!
It’s wonderful to be Canadian. Where else can you live in freedom and enjoy the aspects of living in a democratic counrty, and where this fact isn’t thrown at you at every turn. I love the LOW KEY kind of Canadianism!!! GO CANADA GO! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!
It’s wonderful to be Canadian. Where else can you live in freedom and enjoy the aspects of living in a democratic counrty, where this fact isn’t thrown at you at every turn. I love the LOW KEY kind of Canadianism!!! GO CANADA GO! HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!
After living in the U.S. for 10 years and returning recently to my home, I must admit that, yes, regardless of the problems including the winters (boy that last one was a doozy), I find nothing more satisfying than to live in a country and province that reflects tolerance, peace and harmony amongst and toward each other on a slightly higher scale than elsewhere. Just sitting by the St. Lawrence river and watching it gives you a glorious feeling of it’s strength and power and having lived by it all my life, had forgotten the beauty of it. I am happy to be home. Happy Canada Day to the whole country.
From reading a lot of posts and the stories from friends that have moved to Canada from countries around the world. I must say when I see the look on their faces on Canada Day and the stories they tell you of the lives they left behind you can tell that Canada is like heaven to them. So remember our lives could be a lot worse and we should show the rest of the world how proud you are to be CANADIAN.
Born and raised in this GREAT COUNTRY and have never been so PROUD to be a CANADIAN. Let Us all Remember Our Canadian Forces Who cannot be in our Country today. Remember All of tha Sacrifices They have made for our FREEDOM MAY GOD KEEP THEM SAFE. HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!!!
I came to Canada in 1981 to a place I’ve never heard of - Kamloops B.C. from Manchester, England. What a culture shock! There are even real cowboys and indians in Kamloops b.c. Fasinating! Anyway suppose to stay for 2 years been hear for 26 and now a proud dual citizen! What Canada means to me? Having no one judge you for the way you look or speak (no class system), having access to some of the most beautiful places on Earth - I now live in Surrey B.C. I found my spirituality in Canada and no one mocks me because of it. The only thing I don’t like about Canada is having our troops in Afganistan. Not necessary, Mr Harper!
Like every other day!
I am Canadian and proud of it 24/7.
However, unlike our neighbours to the south, I don’t have to bleed red,white and blue.
Like other Canucks, we are a chill and laid back group or humans who can enjoy each other’s differences and our beer at the same time.
We are even laid back about our lame PM…Whenever an election is called we will get fired up.
But, for now, we will enjoy a nice day with friends, drinks and a BBQ~
Oh Canada!
We love to be a free and free thinking country.
Enjoy!
Helene.
Toronto
Proud to be a Canadian……Family, Food, Beer, Jack Daniels. In amongst all that a minute or so of thought for those Canadian women and men in the armed forces who are away from our precious Country. Fighting and dying for what has become a Canadian cause, a wrongful one in my eyes, but they are there for us all the same so thank you and a toast to you all!
Patricia,
Toronto
I am from a family of WWII veterans, the last of whom died just a week ago.
I will stand tall, sing Oh Canada, and I will choke up and the tears will fall on my cheeks.
This is a tough one…for I think Canada means more to me than I’ve ever let myself realize, while meaning nothing at all, living in the US and all, where the government here does not recognize my Canadian citizenship….
Canada to me is:
-Where I was born: Montreal, Quebec, Canada (a predominately French city) in 1974 to a man of American/English heritage, whom had spent his whole life living in the US, and a woman of Canadian/Micmac/English heritage, whom had spent her whole life living in Canada.
-The land of my Native ancestors, from Metallak, the last of the Arosaguntacook Abenaki (who lived in what was then Canada, but is now part of the US), to the Micmac of Restigouche, Quebec.
-Where my mother’s side of the family all currently reside. It’s pretty much only they who make an effort to make me feel like family and whom I feel I have a close relationship with.
-The land I lived in for the first year of my life and where I visited quite a lot during my childhood, the most inflentual years of my life.
-Where I feel at home…I have never felt at home here in the States, despite being here for 33 years…
-My uncle, Willie Dunn, half Micmac, wrote, sang, produced and directed Canada’s first ever music video- ‘The Ballad of Crowfoot” of which and whom I am very proud. He has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and last year was the Honored Guest at the Canadian Music Awards. His rendition of “O Canada” has drawn a lot of controversy, having different words which tell of a much darker perspective of Canada, with relation to the Native peoples, but it is still a monument to that great land that is Canada. I will post it below.
“O Canada” by Willie Dunn
O Canada,
Our home and Native land,
One hundred thousand years,
We’ve walked upon your sands…
With saddened hearts,
We’ve seen you robbed and stripped,
Of everything you prized…
While they cut down the trees,
We were shunted aside,
To the jails and the penitentiaries.
O Canada,
Once, glorious and free…
O Canada,
We sympathize with thee.
O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee…
Being Canadian is just being who I am. Born a Canadian, I lived in several countries as a child and teen. I always felt so good to ‘be home’. I was always proud that we didn’t feel that we had to beat our breasts and make a big show, but given the chance we’d sing our anthem any time, anywhere, as loud as possible. Being Canadian is the inner strength and sense of wellbeing we have knowing that as a country we can do what we need to do, be who we want to be. We’ve got it all.
Happy Canada Day everyone!
happy canada day … very proud to be a canadian!!! best coutry in the world…
To me being Canadian means that we are not at war but we keep peace. We do not direspect each other because of the color of there skin or look at each other by each persons race, but we all look at each other as Canadian. We are the nation that every country respects, we are the country with friendliest people in the world, the best sport in the world, the best beer in the world, and simply put we are the best nation in the world. If you are not this proud to be Canadian or dont feel the same way, then your not a true Canadian. This Canada day I am thankful to be apart of the best country in the world CANADA.
Being Canadian means, I would never want to live anywhere else in the world. Being fortunate to have the vastness and beauty of nature. It also means having a voice, albeit one that the government ignores. It also means having policies, rules, and taxes made that are inherently unfair. It means powerless to truly stand up for what one believes. It means the government, itself, truly doesn’t understand the wants and desires of the people. It means, I have an opinion, but because of all the Big Brothers out there, I like so many Canadians have no voice and we watch our Canada turning into gangs and clashes. Values…lost. But, I am Canadian and I love my country… have served my country.
Not so much luck here, especially with regards to work. I’ll keep trying elsewhere in other countries.
so proud to be Canadian! I love Canada!! I came here when I was 3 and it’s a way better life than what I would have had back in my country. Canada forever!
thank you to all the troops who fought hard to keep Canada free! we’ll never forget. Keep our country peaceful!
I came here from Afghanistan when I was three years old with my parents because of war. I am eighteen now. I am so so so happy that I am living in such a peaceful, respecting and safe country with great educational opportunities, free health care etc. I would never think about going back because this is my home now. You hear about Afghanistan all the time on the news these days, and I was scared people were going to discriminate because of my race however I was wrong. My heart goes out to the troops fighting in Afghanistan, thank you and especially to the troops who fought to keep Canada free. Canada Day is a day of reflection for me. I am Afghan but I am also Canadian forever.
O CANADA strong and FREE hum freedom where is it they are telling me what i can and cannot do freedom hum where is it ???? telling me what to do and how to do it telling me where i can and cant do things hum FREEDOM ???? where is it ???? ya im a CANADIAN “BUT” land or the free we are not im sorry if i may upset people on here but this is what i feel they are doing so much for people to stop smoking and telling us we cant what about the ones i see that go for a drink with there family and then they all jump in the car and drives hummmm but i have no right to have a smoke unless im outside 15 feet away from other people i have lost more friends and family because of booze than i have of smoking FREEDOM ya ok this is how i feel not anyone else so is my freedom to say what i feel taken away from me as well?? free country hummm O CANADA HAPPY BIRTHDAY ,I AM CANADIAN
We can not evaluate our contry if we don’t live outside it. I have been lived for a couple of year in Europe, and actually in Japan. And really there is a big different. I like Japan more than Canada but for social life I like better Canada. The canadian peaple are so open and used to live with and accept immigrant. God bless Canada.
Canada Day is celebrated to show our unity and diversity at the same time. We are now a country witih multicultural identities, but on July 1st every year, we come to together to celebrate our oneness! In Calgary today, I celebrated this fact with my family by taking part in the Canada Day celebrations at Prince’s Island Park, Olympic Plaza and Fort Calgary. I am glad to note that all the venues were full of people enjoying the day.
Well, Canada Day is officially over now. I’m sitting here doing what I’ve alwas done on Canada Day. Toasting the country quietly with a shot of Captain Morgan white, nibbling at what’s left of my poutine and just being glad that I live in the greatest country on Earth.
Oh Canada
Things I think of
Our country nation
maple leaf flag ( red and white )
the singing of O Canada
the birthday cake in the shape of the flag
fireworks
I missed all this because there was no bus service.