|
Up Front - Why does patriotism end on Canada Day?
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
I often observe different places I travel to see the towns and villages level of patriotism.
Unfortunately, with exemption of army bases, law courts, and a few individuals in our country, I think there is a lack of exhibited pride in our beautiful country.
Most businesses and residents are quite good at showing their pride on Canada Day, but afterwards we see very little in the way of our nation’s flag around Canadian communities.
I know Canadians are proud to live in this wonderful nation, but why are we so shy to display our patriotism?
Is it because we’re afraid we’ll be compared to our neighbours to the south?
Many Americans proudly display their national flag on their front door step. A small or large flag will either be on front door banisters, hung on a flag pole, or stuck into the ground alongside the front walk.
I often hear very negative things about the American people, when most of the comments are often linked to their national pride.
My cousin, who lives in South Dakota, joined the army to fight for not only the American freedom, but freedom for North Americans in general.
He had the courage to fight in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Were his parents happy that he was fighting in the war? Of course not. No one wants to see a war going, and parents definitely don’t want to imagine the repercussions of their child fighting in a war.
In their South Dakotan town of Mitchell, almost every individual has a flag hung in honour of their country and the men and women fighting for their country.
I was prompted to write this article by a local woman who was concerned of the lack of effort put into decorating local businesses and residences for our national holiday.
She explained one of her grandchildren is going to school in the United States. He has the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the American anthem every day at school.
I know when we were in school, we sang the Canadian national anthem every day and the Lord’s Prayer was spoken. I am curious if this is still done.
Am I saying that Americans do everything right and we need to learn from them? No, of course not. But, I am quite impressed with how they will display their national pride on their sleeves, even if they will be heckled by the rest of the world.
We should all be proud to show our Canadian heritage. We live in one of the best countries in the world, it is rich of opportunity and freedom.
I don’t think people have to go overboard and paint their houses red and white, but it would be nice for everyone to exhibit a little more pride in our country on a daily basis.
It’s always fascinating for me to see the rows and rows of each nation’s flag at the Olympic games every two years.
I think in order to have a better understanding of the world, we have to love and accept our country for what it is.
I have a challenge for all of you starting, now if you’d like, but for sure by next Canada Day... lets all decorate our yards, vehicles, apartment balcony, or any other possession with a little bid of Canadian pride. Be proud to be a Canadian, be proud to be a North American, and be proud to live in our beautiful province.
To my concerned reader: I hope this column was exactly what you had in mind. Best wishes – Emily
< Previous
Home
Next >
|
