The movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was a fluttering flag on the driver's side window of a vehicle parked in the adjacent lot. We are accustomed to seeing these types of flags emblazoned with the logos of our favorite teams; Rider flags are plenteous, so are NHL flags, particularly during the playoffs.
But this one didn't bear a sport's team mascot. This flag, moving freely as it caught a gentle gust of wind, was the familiar red and white of the maple leaf. However this was October 23, not typically a day we would think of celebrating something specifically Canadian. But then again this day wasn't typical. It was the day after. The day after the images, the sounds and aftermath left us feeling shaken.
As my eye caught a glimpse of the flag, a lump caught in my throat. Something as simple as fabric fluttering in the breeze brought out a mix of raw emotions. Because it wasn't just fabric. It wasn't just a flag. It's the symbol known around the world as representing Canada.
Historians have long searched for words to define the Canadian identity. Coming up with a description has filled volumes of books, columns of copy, and hours of debate. Years ago the analysis often focussed on what Canadians were notmore so than what we are. But those ideas seemed to espouse more of an anti-identity.
This is a relatively young nation with birthday number 150 in the offing. When it comes to nation building and identity it is still a work in progress. There are events that are pointed to as defining moments in helping achieve a sense of nationhood, along with the moments that we recall individually as serving to establish a particular pride in our country. Wednesday, October 22, 2014 will take its place amongst those moments.
That evening and the next morning we heard our leaders speak with resolve that Canada will remain the same, that we will not allow terror to change us and that it would be business as usual. I understand and respect the message, but (and not to be contrary to the experience of our leaders), I am going to try very hard to ensure it is not business as usual.
Business as usual implies that nothing changes, and that--for me--is unacceptable. There is no citizenship card that provides immunity from catastrophes, attacks or hardship, but my experience living in this country all my life has been as close as it gets. As proud as we can be of being Canadian, we need to realize that it is not some external entity we are taking pride in. It is the collective contribution of its citizens that makes our country what it is. It is the people that founded and run our governments, organizations and institutions, it is the reality of what has been done in war and peacekeeping missions, it's the initiatives and discoveries that had their origins on this soil, and the profile that has been established around the world. We are all intended--no, required, to be part of it; those of us born here and those who arrive later to pursue life in a country whose strength in its history and whose promise lies in its people. All in a land that is truly glorious and free. But that cannot simply be assumed. It demands our diligence and that is why it is not simply business as usual but business that is highly unusual because in so many ways our country is unusual among nations.
Some countries are known primarily for their geography, economy, military, culture, cuisine or role on the world stage. Canada is pieces of that--but more. Canada is its people. It's what inspires us to respond to the needs of others, expresses shock at the intrusion of terror, stirs our soul at the actions of reluctant heroes, and causes a lump to form when our flag flies at half-mast.
The debate will go on as historians and social scientists work to define what it means to be Canadian. Everything from Vimy Ridge to Terry Fox to immigration to health care to the Vancouver Olympics will continue to be explored and written about. But at the heart of these, and every other event, are the people behind it. Canada is its people--and that's the best identity of all. That's why we must not just be highly resilient, but also duly diligent and deeply appreciative. That's my outlook.
