      We were vacationing in the United States in early July one year and decided we should join in the American tradition of taking in a ball game on the 4th. Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego was our chosen venue and after an enjoyable Padres game we were treated to spectacular fireworks set to the kind of music that couldn’t help but fan the flames of patriotism.
           When it was time for "The Star Spangled Banner" the stadium erupted as people got to their feet, waved flags, and sang with fervour. The melody makes it a challenging but beautiful anthem to sing and it was thrilling to take in. I remember feeling a sense of regret that I had never experienced this type of zeal in my home and native land. We are more subdued. We don’t make displays of it. We are proud, just not blatantly so.
           I grew up in a time when there was great concern over the influence of the United States on our country. Politically, socially, economically…there was an expressed fear that all aspects of life were at risk of being overtaken by American thought, belief and perspective. Canadian content rules dominated much of the conversation related to media. The counter argument claimed we were creating a climate of protectionism and that Canadian produced content needed to stand on its own in carving out an audience.
           America was the land of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Canada was the nation of friendly people; the polite peacemakers; the country with the Welcome Mat always in view. Still is. Switzerland's women's soccer coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg even made note of it last weekend. After being defeated by Canada, ending their World Cup quest, the coach took the time to remark, "I would really, from the bottom of my heart, thank the Canadian audience and the Canadian fans. We had a lot of fun…And we found everyone is very friendly. The welcome was fair and welcoming."
           Of course we are much more than the nice guys. Canada is a nation of adventurers, leaders, entertainers, entrepreneurs, business people, scientists, athletes, students, caregivers, soldiers, academics, manufacturers, inventors, teachers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.
           We are not the first call a world leader makes when the international community needs to be consulted. We are not the nation expected to take the lead in military matters. Yet what we have to offer is not to be dismissed.
           Yes, there is much to sing about with pride in this country. There is also much that will require its citizens to consider soberly as we think about the direction we are heading. Depending upon the perspective of those expressing an opinion, we are either a nation on the rise or a nation in decline. Then again, perhaps both are true.
           A nation is never static. It is in a continuous state of change, moving in one direction or another, transitioning, adapting and adjusting; socially, economically, and politically. Because a nation is its people, and since its people are always in a state of change, the nation is as well. If we do or don't like the current direction we need look no further than ourselves and the opportunities we have had to impact our communities or perhaps the times we have stood back and not let our voice be heard.
           We can and will continue to disagree on the handling of our natural resources, the economy, environment, immigration and social issues. We can and will continue to elect different governments in the hopes of different outcomes. We can and will continue to wonder about the future of education, health care and the freedom of speech. But we can and will continue to do so only because Canada is a place where education is attainable, healthcare is available and freedom of expression is constitutional.
            Canada is not perfect…because its people are not perfect…and Canada is, at its essence, its people. We may not be the biggest player in the world, but we certainly have a position to play.
           Three weeks ago I got to experience that goose bump moment of singing "O Canada" with 53,000 people. As I joined the maple-leaf wearing, red and white clad fans bursting with Canadian pride I was reminded that when it comes to patriotism it's not about the resonance of the anthem, but about the people standing shoulder to shoulder who are singing along. That's my outlook.
