Canada Day 2012

It is early morning and I am sitting on the boat, which is snugly secured to the dock, thinking about what being a Canadian means to me. Canada Day (Fete du Canada) is a National Holiday and has had a number of different titles and meanings over the years. The current name, if my memory serves me, dates back to the 1960's. Originally, this day was instituted to celebrate the coming together of three colonies, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick  and the Province of Ontario.

As Canadians found themselves in different countries over the years, they became known as "Canucks". There are those who consider that term derogatory, and there are others who consider it a compliment. The difference, no doubt, is because the origin of the word is somewhat obscure. But I do remember during WW II there was a comic book hero called "Johnny Canuck", so for me the term  has a feel good quality. Don't forget, after all, we have a  hockey team called the Vancouver Canucks, so how could it be a derogatory term?

No doubt each of us have different experiences, emotions and reason to love this great nation. Not great in the sense of powerful, but great in its free and peaceful environment, the basis of our way of life - so unique, special and rare in this war-torn planet called Earth. Although we all face the challenges of life, be it love, death, pain, taxes, and even inept leaders, we can still live out our lives without fear. 

I have been know to cry, proud of my fellow Canadians who stand up to receive medals at a world sports event.  I know down deep I have a huge attachment to our flag (a most beautiful, but simplistic symbol of who we are) and what it stands for. In my life time most of the Canadians I have met are both proud and humble, always ready to reach out and help a friend, not overly patriotic but happy and content that we live in one of the best and most beautiful countries in the world. I have travelled extensively across this nation and have always been in awe of it's natural magnificence, its vastness, its diversity, its four seasons and most of all the openness of its people. What is there not to be proud of?

I understand as well, that we live in the world with other countries and cultures. We do have a responsibility and a need to work with them. But we must also protect ourselves from those who would destroy our natural resources or our way of life because of their religious zeal, their greed or need for power. Although mistakes have been made in the past, most Canadians realize we must not spend too much time beating our breasts. We have learned lessons from our short history but the future is before us and that must be our focus.


The breeze is up, but today we will remain here on the dock and participate in the fireworks and celebrations near the water this evening.

"Oh Canada, we Stand on Guard for Thee"

And that's a Dick'd View of the World this Week