(photo courtesy of http://bc.ctvnews.ca/)
My home and native land is 150 years old today! I love the above picture! This is a photo of 112 Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Officers standing on the Capilano Suspension Bridge which is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). What an iconic and lovely way to salute Canada’s milestone birthday.
I know there are a plethora of celebrations taking place across the Great White North today, with maple leaf flags waving, and lots of renditions of our national anthem, “O Canada” being sung from coast to coast.
(photo courtesy of pawsitiveliving.ca)
I would like to provide a little tribute of my own as to what Canada has meant to me from a personal memory.
Dear Canada,
I am writing to you today on your 150th birthday! First off, congratulations! What an incredible country, for so many reasons. I want to tell you how much I appreciate growing up in Canada.
I remember heading over to my grade school on many a winter’s night; skates over my shoulders, hearing the sound of pucks smashing into the wooden boards of the makeshift skating rink.
The air was incredibly crisp and refreshing; as a child, I didn’t really notice the cold. It was more important to simply play outside without a care in the world. With figure skates tied tightly to my skinny ankles, I carefully maneuvered around the gaggle of hockey players, trying very carefully not to get hit with a puck, and not to interrupt the serious game taking place that frosty winter’s night (it’s all about the politeness in Canada)!
Despite the fact I knew it was close to ‘home time’ (no watch on my wrist; I just seemed to know when it was nearing 7:30), and the fact that a hot cup of chocolate awaited me, I could have skated on that little rink forever.
With feet practically frozen to my skates, I changed into my boots and headed the two blocks home. Looking up at the twinkling stars against the blue/black sky, it always felt magical. It was fun. It was, well, being a kid without concern for safety walking home. It was being a kid without worrying that I wouldn’t have any food when I returned home. For that matter, the fact that I had skates and went to a public school that provided children with outdoor recreation was never a concern either. When I waved goodbye to my skating friends and chided, “See you in class!” I never gave it a second thought that I would not see them on that very playground the next day for fear that any one of them would be killed or injured walking home.
I didn’t worry about the country collapsing into chaos; nor did I worry about our country being invaded and having to flee on a moment’s notice. I never gave pause to having to worry about getting a job at 8 years old to help provide for my family.
And I certainly was not concerned that the water I drank from the hot chocolate my mother made for me when I got home from skating would not be there.
I carried an invisible knapsack on my back during those years. It contained a huge Maple Leaf on its exterior. Inside was a treasure trove of gifts. Safety, security, clean air, fresh water, a cornucopia of food to eat, education for all, medical needs should that wobbly ankle fall sideways whilst skating. Might I add that truly the Canadian invisible knapsack allowed me to carry around a lot more than what I have mentioned here (and it is all extremely appreciated).
Canada, I love you. I am very aware of all that you do for Canadians. I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for allowing me to be what every child on the planet should have the chance to be; that is, just being a kid. I appreciate this more than I ever realized before.
Thank you, Canada.
Love,
Cher
(photo courtesy of www.123rf.com)
This is beautiful Cher! God bless Canada!!
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Thanks so much, John God Bless Canada indeed! Cher xo
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Many thanks for your story. It is a happening when your country is so old. 150 years That is a long time. Inside you feel proud. And warm. It is a pity that you can not celebrate this anneverse. But your story is well known. Also in Holland. But we have no mapple trees. What a wonderful photo of the bridge with so many men in uniform. Thank you for this photo. And I hope GOD will bless Canada.
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Why thank you! Yes, I have been following the celebrations back in Canada. Oh yes, I know that in Holland Canada is very well known. I know from WWII that the Dutch celebrate the Canadian soldiers who fought so bravely and assisted in the liberation of the Netherlands. I am so pleased that the Dutch still honor the Canadians for their heroic acts. Oh are there no maple trees in Holland? I didn’t know that. Yes, the photo is of 112 members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Thank you so much for your lovely comments! Cher xo
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Happy birthday, Canada! I didn’t realize you were born and raised in Canada. My latest novel involves traveling to that region. If I have an “Canada Questions” to ask, I know where to go! 🙂
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Hi Lisa! I sure am Canadian! (I’m now a dual citizen). That was the basic premise as to why I started my blog, actually. I wanted to share with everyone the way I view this awesome city! I’m hugely grateful to call both countries, “home”! You most definitely may ask me anything! I didn’t know your latest novel involved Canada; please ask away, Lisa! Cher xo
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Awesome! I might be picking your brain after the holiday! 🙂
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It will be my pleasure!! 🙂
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Awww…you’re so sweet! 🙂
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Thank you, Lisa! 🙂 🙂
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Happy day! 🇨🇦 … it’s looking better and better every day! ❤️
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Happy Canada Day to you too, dear Horty! She’s looking great, isn’t she? Cher xo
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I love it … and in a healthy, sane way, I envy your country!! Hugs … ❤ …
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*biggest grin* Hugs to you my dear! Cher xo
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You must be very proud of the great nation you were born in!! 150 years and still going strong! I hope I put out an appropriate post for their birthday today as well.
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I definitely am, GP! Thank you! Ah, you sure did! Thank YOU for your wonderful post! Happy Canada Day! Cher xo
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I wanted it to be impressive for the landmark 150th !!
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Well it sure is, GP; thank you! Cher xo
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Beautiful – Happy Canada Day!
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Thank you Norm! Happy Canada Day to you! Cher xo
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Nice memories and “backpack”, Cher. I’ve been on the Capilano Bridge, which is very bouncy. Getting all those mounties together is a fun idea but I wouldn’t want to be on it with 150 other people!
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Thank you so much, Brett! Oh my goodness, have you? I agree it is a fun idea, but I too would not want to be on it with that many other people! I must admit when I initially saw the photo it made me a bit queasy imagining what it would be like to be ‘right there’! 🙂 Cher xo
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Happy belated Canada day!
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Why thank you so much my dear! Cher xo
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Oh, Happy Birthday Canada and have a great celebration day yourself, Cher!
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Ah, thank you so much, Erika!! Happy Canada Day to you! Cher xo
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Thank you 😘
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🙂 xo
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Happy 🇨🇦 Day!
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Why thank you my dear!! Cher xo
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Hear, hear, well said! That’s a great image of the Mounties
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Thank you, Chris!! Oh yes, I like it too! I must admit I wouldn’t want to be on that bridge with that many people though! Cher xo
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