Happy Canada Day! July 1

Happy 144th Birthday, Canada!
1867-2011

Happy you are spending Canada Day with us!

Officially beginning on July 1, 1867, the Federal Dominion of Canada was formed with the new provinces of Ontario and Quebec (until then together comprising the Province of Canada) along with two other British colonies, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which also became provinces.



This motley group are the guys responsible - known as the Fathers of Confederation. The guy sitting on the step was John A MacDonald, Canada's first prime minister.



Being a British Colony, Canada flew the Union Jack.




Every morning school started with singing God Save the Queen (see she does smile!)



Then the pledge of allegiance:

We pledge allegiance to the flag
And to the Queen and Commonwealth
For Which it Stands

Then we sang the Nation Anthem

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.


And then the Lord's Prayer

That was before any of the above started to offend people

Then in 1965 Canada got her own flag!



It was a controverisal issue. Some did not want the Union Jack to go. Some did not like the look of the new flag. The maple leaf was designed by George F. G. Stanley and John Matheson based on the flag of the Royal Military College of Canada. The flag made its first appearance on February 15, 1965. This date is now celebrated annually as National Flag of Canada Day.

Below is a picture of Canadian flags decorating the Veteran graves at the local cemetery. Because of their selfless actions



along with these men (Canadian armed forces in Afghanistan)




I am free to write this post. Godspeed guys!

"The Maple Leaf Forever" is a Canadian song written by Alexander Muir (1830–1906) in 1867

The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear,
The Maple Leaf forever!
God save our Queen and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever!



Proud to be Canadian, eh!!!!!