The Young Turks

If'n you are interested about the histroy of Canada Day, here ya go.

 

Enjoy your fireworks, Molson and back bacon! 

 

Canada Day

Background

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty's loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.



The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.



There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.



The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.



Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada's national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.



Another highlight was Canada's Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being the backdrop for a large scale official ceremony.



The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name "Festival Canada", was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.



A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada's Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. "Seed money" was distributed to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.



On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day".



Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

by Andrew Koenig on 07/01/2008 02:02:03 PM EST

---

I'm a little disappointed to see that Ike Broflovski wasn't an option so I went with the beaver.  Though in all honesty, I think there's a lot the United States can learn from Canada so Happy Canada Day!  I'm sorry that sounds way too funny but I guess wishing someone a Happy Fourth is just as absurd.

by rev24 on 07/01/2008 02:08:59 PM EST

---

may you have plenty of celebrations yet to come

by callisto on 07/01/2008 02:18:00 PM EST

---

   Just for today I will refrain from blaming anything on Canada...
 

by bfaul on 07/01/2008 03:43:12 PM EST

---

by gialuna on 07/01/2008 06:16:10 PM EST

---

Now, if you get rid of your socialist health care system we may allow you to join the Union.

by hazmat on 07/01/2008 08:58:45 PM EST

---

You forgot the most well known Canadian symbol. It's the mullet, eh.

by z1p101 on 07/01/2008 10:24:49 PM EST

---

by MRFred on 07/01/2008 11:39:45 PM EST

---

Happy Canada Day from Edmonton

by Turambar on 07/02/2008 03:37:14 AM EST

---

;)

by ihavenobias on 07/02/2008 01:41:04 PM EST

---