Yesterday marked the anniversary of Corporal Nathan Cirillo’s death. The 24-year-old soldier was gunned down last year during an attack on Parliament Hill as he stood guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa. At the service we watched as outgoing Prime Minister Stephen Harper and prime minister-elect Justin Trudeau sat side by side with their wives, rising together to lay a single wreath at the foot of the memorial. It was a big moment for Canada. Just days after a heated election, these two men put aside any differences to stand together and represent our country as a team. People across the interenet declared it “very Canadian” to do so, and they were right. Because Canada is a country that comes together when times get tough, a country where we don’t have to agree, but we do need to respect each other and this was the very symbol of that.
I remember last year when news spread about the Ottawa shooting. I was talking to my neighbour at the bus stop, who was from Ottawa and had only just moved out of the area in the last couple of years. “I feel so helpless” she said. “I wish I could be there for my family, my city. That’s my hometown.”
It struck me that those words were so very Canadian.
When most people who didn’t live in Ottawa might have been high tailing it out of there, others were wishing they could be there to help. Because Canadians don’t run away from chaos and fear, we run to it. And not with guns on our backs and bombs in our hands, but with compassion in our hearts.
And so today I reflect on what is means to be Canadian. A Canada where when great men fall, all men stand together to honor them. Where our voices are heard, and we wait with bated breath as our new prime minister takes the lead of our nation, and where maybe, just maybe, the Blue Jays can make it to the world series.
Canada is MY hometown, and I’m so proud of it.
Great post I couldn’t of expressed it better. I am proud of Canada too!
Thanks Judy!
This is lovely. I had to share it. Thanks for writing this.
Thanks for sharing Kyla!
Great post! 100% how I feel about Canada. It is what makes proud to live her and raise my children here! What an uplifting post on a sad day of remembrance!
I tell my kids how lucky they are to be born in Canada all of the time! So blessed!
That’s wonderful… it’s how I feel, too!
I love this country; I would never have the adequate words to express the depth and breadth of my feelings for Canada. This last election has made me tremendously proud to be a Canadian… I came here at the age of 8; this country has afforded me every opportunity and freedom. And even though I have experienced racism and a lot of prejudice the last few years, there is NOTHING about this country that I do not love! Thank you for the post.
We are definitely not a perfect country, you won’t find one anywhere I suppose. but there sure is lots to love about it!
When anything big or small, good or bad happens in Canada I feel like it is ion my own backyard. This huge country is actually very close and many feel like this,
so true, I’m actually sad I didn’t wait to post this until after the Blue Jays came last night, because I was overwhelmed with pride when they had a tough loss and my whole twitter feed was full of Canadians just sharing how proud they were of our team instead of complaining.People were suggesting we welcome them home with a parade anyway just because they tried so hard and came so far! So proud of the Canadian spirit!
I shared so other can read this beautiful post
a sad day indeed but Canadians stood together as usual in support as proud Canadians. This is a wonderful country with wonderful people and a wonderful togetherness.
Such beautiful words! I agree with you 100%
Great post! Wouldn’t want to live in any other country!
Fabulous post Jenn! <3 I need a tissue now, as your words on reflection are beautiful, and true.
"Canada is my hometown" totally needs to be on a t-shirt.
lol that would make a great shirt!
We definitely are a unique lot 🙂 Sending much love to all.
I would never want to live anywhere else in the world but Canada! It is my home and I’m a very proud Canadian. 🙂
Amen to that! I am VERY proud to be Canadian
We are Canadian. We stand together no matter what happens. Proud to be Canadian
SO proud to live in this amazing country. I count my blessings all the time. This was such a tragic story, hard to believe it has already been a year!
it’s definitely a blessing to be living in Canada, you are so right!
I was at the funeral procession in my old hometown of Hamilton. Although it was a very sad occasion, I felt proud to be Canadian! And seeing so many Canadians in attendance at the procession , made me feel even prouder.
I am proud of Canada too and it’s people !
I completely share your pride in the country we live in.