Let’s Express Gratitude on Canada Day for the Prosperous and Free Country We Have Inherited, says John Robson

June 27, 2024 TruthUSA

Commentary

We have the ability to celebrate Dominion/Canada Day not just by stepping away from our offices and computers in favor of the dock and cooler, but by embracing a positive vision for our country.

In today’s world, patriotic rhetoric about one’s nation is not as common as it once was, especially in nations that truly deserve it. The chant of “From the river to the sea” is passionately proclaimed, yet “From sea to sea” lacks conviction. But we shouldn’t assume that in the past, the oratory of July 1st was smug, superficial, and lazy.

Undoubtedly, some of it was. Speeches can vary greatly in quality, with many seemingly designed to keep the audience awake through irritation. However, the genuine speeches had substance.

By highlighting Canada’s past successes, our ancestors were not encouraging complacency or laziness. There was certainly room for contentment and recreation, but recreation serves to refresh us physically, mentally, and morally for the challenges ahead. It should not involve becoming so intoxicated that we become obnoxious or incapacitated.

Recognizing the challenges we face is essential. A nation and culture that have achieved greatness must be committed to preserving and improving. As the line from “In Flanders Fields” states, “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” This duty extends beyond the battlefield, especially in light of current events.

One of my Canada Day goals is to memorize Joyce Kilmer’s Trees. This classic poem, beginning with “I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree,” has been parodied often. The abundance of trees, lakes, open spaces, and wildlife across Canada is a gift to those living here now and a testament to the good fortune of those who came before us.

On Dominion Day and beyond, let us remember that the quintessentially Canadian cottage, cabin, or farmhouse, immersed in nature’s beauty, is a blessing to be cherished and safeguarded. Contemplating, as Kilmer wrote, “A tree that looks at God all day,/ And lifts her leafy arms to pray,” rejuvenates the soul in ways that urban landscapes cannot.

On the topic of torches, you may be surprised to learn—as I was—that “Joyce” Kilmer was a man born in New Brunswick. However, it was New Brunswick, New Jersey, not the Canadian province of New Brunswick. He was a Catholic convert who tragically lost his life in World War I.

Speaking of Catholic converts, G.K. Chesterton warns us against the conservative assumption that leaving things untouched preserves their current state. In reality, leaving something alone exposes it to a torrent of change. To maintain the desired state, constant attention and action are necessary.

This principle applies to preserving our values and traditions. A revolutionary spirit that reveres the past while making thoughtful improvements is essential. Upholding the Canadian spirit involves cherishing, protecting, and enhancing the legacy of peace, justice, faith, honour, charity, truth, and hope that we have inherited.

Even our most misguided efforts in immigration will struggle to erode our natural beauty. However, it is possible to diminish the prosperous economy we’ve inherited and squander the legacy of defending peace, justice, faith, and knowledge. Let us take time on Dominion Day to express gratitude for our Canadian heritage and commit to protecting and advancing it with Canadian pride.

Happy Dominion Day.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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