This weekend, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will celebrate our national holiday. Canada Day has always been one of my favourite times as it typically means parades, fireworks, barbecues and other get-togethers that we can’t seem to get enough of.
Growing up in Windsor, my family would also benefit from the Independence Day celebrations in the United States. Since 1959, Windsor and Detroit have jointly celebrated July 1 and July 4 together. This multiday event, called the International Freedom Festival, started off with the Canada Day celebration in Windsor on July 1 and ended with the American Fourth of July.
The fireworks display was the mother of all fireworks, in my humble opinion. It is said that the annual event is one of the largest and most spectacular firework displays in North America, lighting up the sky over Windsor and Detroit. This long-standing celebration used to attract nearly 3.5 million visitors on both sides of the river.
It has to be one of the happiest summer memories I have of my adopted land.
I still enjoy the fun aspects of Canada Day and getting together with friends and family, but my celebration also includes some reflective thinking around what I admire about Canada.
Celebrating Canada Day gives all of us an opportunity to show we are proud to be Canadian and to reflect on the values that hold us together as Canadians. Shared values such as diversity, social justice and respect for one another make us an enviable nation.
Despite our country’s warts and pimples, we live in a country that values freedom. Canada Day reminds me that Canada includes all of us. It is not a celebration for only those who come out of generations of Canadians; but also new Canadians, some of whom are still trying to find their footing in their new home. Our backgrounds are varied and diverse, making us a richer, more robust culture.
Here in Hamilton, we speak many languages, from Arabic to Urdu, yet we are joined by the fact that we are Canadians…that we all belong.
When I observe Canada Day, I can’t ignore the fact that I feel somewhat comforted by one of our most inclusive Canadian instruments — the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that establishes and enshrines fundamental freedoms: freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association.
I also like Section 15: The Equality Rights: “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.”
I still party on Canada Day. Family, friends and food, fireworks and games remains an integral part of this special celebration. But there is more. Amid the fun-making and fun-doing, I believe we should take a moment to reflect and appreciate the shared values that binds us as Canadians.
Whether you are observing your first Canada Day or you are a veteran at this… A very happy Canada Day.
Freelance columnist Evelyn Myrie lives in Hamilton.
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