Thoughts on Being Canadian

Today is Canada Day, which marks the joining together of the colonies of New Brunswick, Canada (present day Ontario and Quebec), and Nova Scotia into a federation of four provinces on July 1, 1867.
Tim and I celebrated by visiting Fort Rodd Hill Historic Park where red and white t-shirts, picnicking families, and festivities marked the day. 
The park is also home to Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. The building is beautifully maintained, with interactive displays for visitors of all ages. 

 Wandering through the somewhat crowded space, I was struck most by the gorgeous vistas seen through sparkling glass held by pristine window frames. A lot of care has gone into the caretaking of this site. 

A rather strong wind blew the clouds away and we lifted our faces to the sun and welcomed the warmth. I hope it returns every day.

Fort Rodd Hill was constructed at the end of the 19th century, in conjunction with Britain who feared war with Russia. No shots were ever fired in war, no battles ensued here. The gun emplacements, one of which is seen above, are now empty. Children climb on the embankments. Families play games, couples lounge on blankets spread on the grass.

As part of the festivities, there was a shooting display. I recently re-read Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, and when the machine gun stat-stat-stat sounded, I thought how terrible it would have been to exist in the trenches under such a barrage of noise and fear for days on end, as the soldiers of World War I experienced. 

How fortunate are we who live in peace. Much of the world is not so blessed. The UK is celebrating the Queen's Jubilee Year and the Olympics. Later this month both the USA and France celebrate their Independence and Bastille Days. Let us celebrate humbly, knowing that freedom is precarious and hard-won. 

Happy Canada Day! 

Linking to Mosaic Monday, hosted by Mary at the Little Red House.