Gordon Lightfoot Forums - View Single Post - New Canadian anthem

charlene · 06-20-2007, 09:38 AM

Only in Canada would this happen.

I am so tired of hearing about the "sexist" lyrics, the French equation and the use of "God" in the lyrics.
I appreciate that when the lyrics were penned the citizens of this country were vastly different in heritage and religious beliefs but it is CANADIAN heritage that is being respected in the lyrics.

While it may not be everyone's 'native' land it becomes HOME for them and they choose to become citizens. Along with the privilege of that honour should come the respect for all that came before that has allowed so many to enjoy and benefit from living here today.

For me as a Canadian by birth and heritage for many generations on my maternal side of the family I feel a sense of history that while Canada is relatively 'new' still makes me very proud.

For the paternal side that saw my father as a first generation Canadian of Italian heritage and knowing the inherent difficulties those ancestors faced I am proud that my Canadian ancestors welcomed them. And even though my Italian ancestors saw many obstacles and hard work and yes even bigotry, they stood proud to be accepted in this country and raise a new Canadian family as they never could have back in Italy.

It's a beautiful anthem that never fails to make me teary whether it is heard before a sporting event (Saturday at the Jays game) or at a repatriation ceremony when one of our soldiers is brought home for burial.
The last line "we stand on guard for thee" never more poignant when a flag draped casket arrives back on Canadian soil. We buried a young soldier today not far from my home..

The song does not speak of bombs or war but of pride and faith in our country and it's freedom for all. There is a sense of wonder and amazement in the song at the manifestation of a new and beautiful country that I proudly call Canada..and home.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

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.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

and this news:June 20,2007.
The Canadian military is confirming three more Canadian soldiers have been killed. They died when a roadside bomb exploded while they were on patrol in southern Afghanistan. That brings the total number of Canadians killed during the Afghanistan mission to 60.

06-20-2007, 09:38 AM	#4
charlene Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 16,001	Only in Canada would this happen. I am so tired of hearing about the "sexist" lyrics, the French equation and the use of "God" in the lyrics. I appreciate that when the lyrics were penned the citizens of this country were vastly different in heritage and religious beliefs but it is CANADIAN heritage that is being respected in the lyrics. While it may not be everyone's 'native' land it becomes HOME for them and they choose to become citizens. Along with the privilege of that honour should come the respect for all that came before that has allowed so many to enjoy and benefit from living here today. For me as a Canadian by birth and heritage for many generations on my maternal side of the family I feel a sense of history that while Canada is relatively 'new' still makes me very proud. For the paternal side that saw my father as a first generation Canadian of Italian heritage and knowing the inherent difficulties those ancestors faced I am proud that my Canadian ancestors welcomed them. And even though my Italian ancestors saw many obstacles and hard work and yes even bigotry, they stood proud to be accepted in this country and raise a new Canadian family as they never could have back in Italy. It's a beautiful anthem that never fails to make me teary whether it is heard before a sporting event (Saturday at the Jays game) or at a repatriation ceremony when one of our soldiers is brought home for burial. The last line "we stand on guard for thee" never more poignant when a flag draped casket arrives back on Canadian soil. We buried a young soldier today not far from my home.. The song does not speak of bombs or war but of pride and faith in our country and it's freedom for all. There is a sense of wonder and amazement in the song at the manifestation of a new and beautiful country that I proudly call Canada..and home. O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. 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. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. and this news:June 20,2007. The Canadian military is confirming three more Canadian soldiers have been killed. They died when a roadside bomb exploded while they were on patrol in southern Afghanistan. That brings the total number of Canadians killed during the Afghanistan mission to 60.