First let me expand the question to ask about national holidays in other countries, like Independence Day, July 4th, in the U.S. too - I actually get more American readers than Canadian. I know what our most memorable Canada Day experience was, but first let me share two of my favourite Canada flag pictures from here or nearby. And Happy Canada Day!
The flag at the end of the pier in Big Bay, up nearer Wiarton, flies from a tall flagpole, and was blowing in the breeze when we were there several years ago.
In the countryside southwest of Meaford is this enormous Canadian flag painted on a barn roof, my favourite display of patriotism!
Field is nestled at the base of 4 mountains, Mount Field, Mount Burgess (site of the famous Burgess shale fossil field), Mount Stephen, and Mount Wapta. So you are very much down in a deep valley with just space for the railway, the highway, the Kicking Horse River, and the village. Here's one view of the scenery to give you an idea (not my picture)
So guess what fireworks sound like down in a valley surrounded by mountains! And these were not just for Canada Day, but for the B.C. centennial as well. They were LOUD and spectacular, the most spectacular fireworks display I have ever seen anywhere! The kids were both thrilled and terrified. I remember our daughter, the 2 year old, putting here hands over her ears. And that's my best memory of Canada Day.
Great to know you've visited a village where your ancestors had lived, and enjoyed a fireworks there too! My best Fourth of July was in Knoxville TN where we were watching over the Tennessee River. Just spectacular!
ReplyDeleteNot being given to celebrations of this nature, I do not have a memorable Dominion Day (a term I much prefer to Canada Day). Overt displays of nationalism or the loosely used term "patriotism" so quickly descent to the level of xenophobia and jingoism. This trend is so visible in other countries I am sure you can think of, and I hope that Canada remains aloof from such expressions of nationalism. I am very happy that on my whole street two houses only are displaying flags.
ReplyDeleteIn 1967 I went to City Hall, Toronto and met up with Sue, half by chance. We had sort of been going out together for a few weeks prior and were together ever after.
ReplyDeleteCanada Day in Newfoundland we always got together with neighbours and had a buffet. Lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThere is no other place like Field. I always stop there and take in the surrounding mountains.
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely a fun memory. I can only imagine how loud the fireworks would have been.
ReplyDeleteMy best memories of Canada Day are of fireworks too. I would take my children to Wascana Lake and we'd join other families on blankets (and under blankets to keep the mosquitos at bay) and watch from there.
Down here July 4 (Independence Day) used to be a day to get together with family and friends but in the last few years it, like the flag, have become symbols of a movement which we do not respect nor with which we want to be associated -- so it's become just another day.
ReplyDeleteIn 2011, Bill and I travelled across the states on our way to B.C. to stay with friends and eventually Cold Lake, Alberta to spend time with my little brother. It was the end of June and we were with those friends on Canada Day. Nothing special went on but spending it with them was special. Now we host a bbq dinner up here on The Ridge for Bill's sibliings on this day. ♥
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