Happy Canada Day
As we gather to celebrate, not just on July 1st, but the many social gatherings throughout the month, we have opportunity to learn about our history. Many of these gatherings have a rich tradition that we aren’t aware of. The celebration of The Calgary Stampede is often lost in the excitement. It’s easy to miss what the agricultural community continues to contribute to our social and economic order. Our local parades and celebrations can give opportunity to remember what many of these third and fourth generation ranchers still sacrifice to keep their complex operations going.
Over the past number of years, we’ve heard a lot of negative press on the history of Canada. While not wanting to whitewash our history, there are several good things worth celebrating. There are many diverse cultural values that shaped our laws and societal structure, that have allowed our country to live relatively harmoniously and thrive economically.
As we celebrate, I trust we can reflect on the richness of our diverse cultural heritage and be proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. I also trust we won’t discard or forget the values that are part of the multi- cultural fabric of our country, as if we forget our history (both positive and negative), we are at risk of losing our identity as a collective people. We can learn from our mistakes, and endeavour to continue to build and strengthen our community.
Oh Canada
by Robert |Stanley Weir
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love thou dost in us command.
We see thee rising fair, dear land,
The True North, strong and free;
And stand on guard, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
(refrain)
O Canada! O Canada!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee,
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow,
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!
O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May Stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western sea,
Our own beloved native land,
Our True North, strong and free!
Ruler Supreme, Who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion within Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
