One thing about this past Canada Day that bugs me, though, is World Cup. I'm not really into the World Cup, but normally I'll put up with those stupid automobile flags that everyone is driving around with, revealing whatever country's team they're rooting for. (Yes, another nice thing about Canada is that you can show pride for your own country -- Canada -- but also the country of your family's heritage . . . the sign of a truly free society is one that allows you to proclaim an affinity to another country's flag).
But enough already with those bloody flags. I was really disappointed that even on July 1st, people were still driving around with those damn little World Cup inspired flags on their cars. If they couldn't put up a Canadian flag just for one day, at least take down the other one -- just for a single day. Out of respect. You know, like maybe for a single day pretend that you're Canadian and proud to be Canadian and proud for all the things that Canada is, such as, oh, I don't know, things like freedom. I'm often jealous of the national pride and unity that our American cousins show. And this past weekend is one of those times.
Now, just one day before the Star Spangled Banner drowns out our meek attempts to honour Canada, please stand for our National Anthem (it is rather easy to sing . . . even when we throw in the French verse) -- Listen to it courtesy of Wiki's detailed info about the song, here.
6 comments:
i did not realize 'o, canada' was only made the official anthem in 1980. it's a much lovlier anthem than ours which is all blood and bombs.
O, Cabada, we stand on guard for thee.....
I was at Harbourfront on Saturday and I was saddened to see that the people in the bars watching whatever soccer game was on were louder and more spirited than the small crowds of people that were out celebrating Canada Day. It is disappointing to learn that a sporting event (one that doesn't even had a Canadian team) is more important than celebrating our nation.
I also miss the Ottawa events Mark. Canada Day was always such a huge deal there. There is an excitement there that no other city seems to be able to master.
Yeah, I know what you mean. I was walking in my gf's area Saturday and since Port. just took out England, all I saw were Port. flags all over the place with people honking and honking like crazy. I couldn't even tell it was our Country's birthday. I thought it was Port.'s........
Still Standing on Guard for Thee. . .
When my dad came to Canada from Czechoslovakia with his parents in 1930, he was just 3 years old. He remained a "Landed Imagrant" Until Canada Day 1975 (or 76). On that Canada day he was finally officially known (to the Government) as a Canadian Citizen.
About 10 years ago my dad sent me a letter for Canada Day, telling me how happy he was that his parents brought him to the Great Dominion. Today he flies a Canadian flag at his Winter Moble in Arizona. An American neighbor in the Moble Park ensures that Canadian flag remains proud and free during the months when my Dad is back in Canada. The first flag my father flew was the one he was given that Canada Day in the 1970's. Oh. . . when he was 18, my father voluntered to fight for Canada in WW II.
Times have changed. . .
World cup patriots? Big deal! Anyone can wave a flag, but how many of us can say, we TRULY play the game?
I've seena whopping three vbehicles sporting the flags of other, soccer playing, nations as well as our own. I was impressed at the three but dismayed that no others felt the need to show their pride in the red and white.
How true this is! I was going to comment on this myself, but simply have not had the time.
It is very sad to see these flags all over the place, and how little respect people now seem to have for the country they choose to live in.
Canada to me is the greatest country in the world!
These soccer fans (or European Football) are really beginning to annoy me.
There are those few with whom I see with their soccer flag of choice next to the Canadian Flag, and that brings a smile to my face.
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