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EDITORIAL: Canadian pride

If you were one of the thousands of people who attended the Canada Day festivities last weekthen you were likely filled with Canadian pride.

If you were one of the thousands of people who attended the Canada Day festivities last week at Lakeside Park, then you were likely filled with Canadian pride at some point in the day.

And with good reason.

Unlike our American neighbours — who frequently wrap themselves in the Star Spangled Banner telling all who will listen how great their nation is — Canadians have a far more subdued attitude towards patriotism. We may not pledge our allegiance in school each morning, but our pride runs deep.

Last week, thanks to an amazing amount of work by the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce, Nelsonites had the chance to let those deep patriotic feelings run wild at a day-long celebration of all things red, white and fun to do.

Canada Day, after all, is just a date. It’s the spirit that lies beneath that makes it special.

Thanks to the chamber’s long list of volunteers and sponsors, July 1 becomes so much more than just a day off.

The celebration brings people together, entertains them, provides activities and allows them to celebrate both community and country.

From kids waving Canadian flags to pancake breakfasts, from bands performing to sand castle sculptures and from a giant flag shaped cake to the impressive fireworks display, the July 1 celebration became more than just a country’s birthday party.

It’s a chance to remember who we are and what we believe in. The freedoms and opportunities offered by this country are the envy of the rest of the world. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and realize just how well we, as Canadians, have it.

The fact that our local chamber allows us to reflect on this, while having a great party, is icing on the big flag cake.