We all have neighbours. We like some of them, some we don’t know, some we simply co-exist with and others are a down right pain in the butt. This is pretty much how I sum up my view of the relationship between Canada and the U.S., depending on the issue in the forefront at the time. I am not a political person by any means. For the most part I would say I am politically illiterate, so much so that in elections past I used to call my Dad and ask him who I should be voting for. My Dad has since passed and I have had to make these very scary, adult decisions on my own.
One thing that I have always admired about the U.S., envied in fact, is their patriotism. I love how the 4th of July is a HUGE deal and that sporting teams, from the ground level up, are supported and revered. Though many of us Canadians are very patriotic and love that we are Canadian we have a tendency to be complacent (except when it comes to hockey 
). We don’t fight too many big battles, we remain polite and keep our mouths shut, because, God forbid we may offend someone. That tends to be the Canadian way.
My son’s Cub group participated in Hands Across the Border today. I wanted to take him as I had gone when I was a Guide a very, very long time ago. I got up this morning, the weather was wet and I almost bailed. In the end I got the crew up and headed out the door. I am so glad I made the decision to go. Where else in the world can you participate in an event that the border is closed between two countries so that children of all ages can meet each other, trade badges, pins, crafts and flags? Yes there was a police presence, but there weren’t armed guards with rifles or fear that something terrible was going to happen. It was just kids having the time of their life, appreciating their new found friends with no worries of war, borders, or who had done what to whom.
At one point my six year old daughter giggled and said, “Mommy, that girl thinks that America is the United States and that when we walk over there we’re not in Canada anymore.” When I told her the little girl was correct her eyes opened wide with awe. Further explaining had to be done as to why there was the statement at the Arch “May These Gates Never Be Closed.” We explained that if they were closed we would probably be at war and not friends anymore.
As I watched the parade of participants march through the archway I felt a true sense of pride and well being. The flags were raised simultaneously (the announcer made it very clear that it wasn’t a race) and as the anthems were sang tears ran down my face. I was and am so proud to have been part of such an amazing event and hope that it will continue for many more years. Despite what these two neighbours may think of each other, for me that moment was filled with a profound sense of peace and true patriotism for my country and that of my neighbour. Sometimes we don’t like the guy next door, they may annoy us or ignore us but more times than not we need each other. Hopefully, at the very least, we can respect one another.
4 Comments
June 11, 2007 at 12:19 am
Okay this made me cry- thanks!
June 12, 2007 at 3:09 pm
It’s funny how close your country is to ours; people cross that border daily for visits and for work and I’d imagine most of them take the “open gate” for granted. I’ve never lived near that border and don’t really interact much with Canadians since we’re so far south west. Other than a few small differences we’re pretty much the same. I didn’t realize that there isn’t much patriotism in Canada, I have seen people on occasion wear the maple leaf on their clothing but you rarely see people wearing an American flag on their shirt. When some major catastrophe occurs here we all race to the store to purchase flags and show our pride and support. As you probably know when 9/11 occurred there we’re American flags all over the place showing our support and pride in our country and to show that our heart/support went out to those that have fallen.
Like I said I don’t interact much with Canadians, you guys have your silly little holidays just like we do. Of course jokingly on various podcasts you and I booth listen to (yeah I’m taking about RedBoy) it really shows how much we don’t know about each other. Hopefully by you calling US podcasts and leaving voicemails you’ll teach us dumb American something.
I’ve love to hear more about your experiences in Canada and how things differ from here to there. Teach me something Chrystal.
June 12, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I think you should be an ambassador of Canadian education for the U.S. Like I’ve said before, I don’t really have a Canadian preference. I actually consider you all just like us, but with national health care and cheaper meds.
I love blogging and podcasting because it gives you the chance to meet and learn about other people and cultures without the ever helpful media spin.
June 13, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I’ve been a Canadian living and working amongst Americans..infiltrating sort of.
And like both Jason and Redboy suggest, the “real” people from both countries are more alike than different. I grew up about 20 miles from the US border near Niagara Falls and have always been of the opinion that when it comes to patriotism both country could take a little bit from each other. That is, Canadians should really kick it up a notch and the Americans could tone it down a bit.
I have done my best to spread a little Canadian patriotism and passion in more than just hockey and educating folks here in the DC area about Canada.
As both countries near their national birthdays in July, this was a very well timed post.
Thank you for sharing it.
Andy Bilodeau
http://andycast.net