Patriotism

Vimy Day Celebrated – Sir Arthur Currie Would Be Proud

Mulder

I never found much use in my history lessons as a youth growing up in Toronto. Part of it was the boring curriculum and part of it was my general disinterest. That all changed when I decided to take Ancient History in 11th grade. Mr. Bobb was a funny and engaging teacher and my new found passion for history was kindled in his class room and I began my journey of reading anything I could about ancient civilizations and cultures. But still my thirst for knowledge of Canadian history had not quite been established.

That came years later after I moved from Toronto to Ottawa and sensing stronger national pride here, I picked up Pierre Burton’s two part book on the War of 1812. That really stoked the fires. I read through the Burton two book set quite quickly and wanted more. And there as part of a larger set of historic recounts was his book on Vimy Ridge. I wasn’t sure what Vimy Ridge was yet I was in my late 20’s or early 30’s by this point in time. This was the turning point in my life. This is when I knew I was proud to be Canadian. This was when I felt like a light had been turned on inside me. It was the same pride in hearing the tale of Arthur Curries creeping barrage and the taking of the ridge after so many Brits and Frenchmen had died trying. A day. It took merely a day for Canadians to boot the Germans from their entrenched position and another three to mop up the mess. But the ridge was ours. And it was the first time allied forces had taken a German position and held it.

November 11th is the day veterans around the world remember those who have fought and died for our country. But it was April 9th, 1917 that saw Canada come of age as a nation. Our troops fought as one cohesive unit, alone. Without our British big brothers guiding us. It is for this reason that I would dearly love to see April 9th turned into a day of celebration that should rival the national pride we feel on July 1st.

It is also for this reason that I think of Arthur Currie as one of the most important Canadians in our short history. Today he would be proud of the free nation, whose army he lead to our greatest wartime victory.

My Message To Our Olympians – Canada Loves You All

Mulder

I love the Olympics. I always have. I think our Olympians need to know that whether they own the podium or not, that we love them all. I see a few post event interviews with some Canadians who seem dejected and feel like they have let us down. It’s ok to feel that way. In fact, I think it might even be natural. But don’t get too far down in the dumps. You are at the elite level on the whole planet which makes you pretty darn good at what you do.

And us Canadians? Well I think it is obvious that we love every athlete willing to put in the hours, days, weeks, months, years of dedication to reach where you have and that you are willing to go and do it in front of the world on behalf of all Canadians.

Of course we get REALLY REALLY REALLY enthusiastic when one of us is the best in the world. We should be. But a 7th or a 5th or a 29th or a 56th just means that you are better at your craft than over 5 BILLION other people in the world. For that you deserve to keep your chin up.

So my message to athletes like Mellisa Hollingsworth and Denny Morrison, who have both felt like they let us down, just know we were smiling and cheering you on and happy for you. We’re all proud of you.