Happy Canada Day on July 1st! The Constitution Act of July 1, 1867 united the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single "Dominion of Canada." So Canada is officially 159 years old this year -- just a baby compared to many countries in the world, including the US.
In my younger years, July 1st was called Dominion Day (as in the Dominion of Canada). In 1982, the government changed the name to simply "Canada Day."
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| The red and white maple leaf flag became the official flag in 1965. I was a young teenager and it was hard for me to adjust to the change. I loved the Union Jack, which had been our country's flag from my birth. |
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| According to google, the Union Jack is still an official flag of Canada, but it is flown only on occasion to represent Canada's membership in the British Commonwealth. There are 56 countries in the Commonwealth (also called the Commonwealth of Nations), all with historical ties to Great Britain. I have always been happy to be tied to Britain, partly because of my British ancestry. |
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| The Union Jack represents the united flags of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with Canada having been a British colony. I never thought to wonder what "jack" meant. But I have since learned that a "jack" is a small flag on a ship. So the Union Jack is the Union Jack, not the Union Jack flag. Now I know. And now you know too. |
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| Our son and daughter-in-law and our Torrie grandkids enjoy celebrating Canada Day. Here they are on July 1, 2026, waiting for the Vauxhall parade to start. Very cute Canada Day attire in Canada's colours of red and white. And love that Canada flag candy bag to collect candy thrown from the parade floats. |
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| Darling cute "Canada Flag" fruit platter. Our daughter-in-law is totally creative and a good cook too. |
I love our national anthem, "O Canada." We usually only sing the first verse and chorus but there are actually four verses, plus a French version. I love all the verses, but especially the chorus and the fourth verse, which both talk about God and our need to rely on Him.
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all they sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
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.
Chorus between each verse:
God keep our land glorious and free!
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 vast 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 in 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.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Happy Canada Day to all!
And quickly following Canada Day on the 1st of July is the US 4th of July, this year celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Interesting that the US declared independence from Great Britain, while Canada maintained its ties, but became a sovereign nation, both doing what they felt was best for their country.
Also interesting for me and my Hancock relatives, is that John Hancock was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Hancocks have often thought that they were directly descended from John Hancock, but actually he is our cousin (my 3rd cousin, 6 times removed). He had children, but none lived to adulthood, so he had no descendants. Still . . . we are happy and proud to count him as one of our ancestor/relatives.
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| John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and he signed it large and bold. He wanted independence to happen! |
Happy Independence Day to all our American relatives and friends!
