Be proud of OUR Canada

OPINION

Be proud of OUR Canada

They are a world away, living in less than ideal conditions. They never know from hour to hour where they may be headed or if and when they will return. Their thoughts are often of their loved ones and the beautiful country that they call home. As we prepare to celebrate Canada Day tomorrow we should all pause and think of the country's military personnel who are risking everything in an effort to improve the lives of people less fortunate. This is not the time to politicize the war in Afghanistan. It is, however, the time to come together and appreciate the men and women who are continuing to fight for the freedoms that we take for granted. Let's not forget, too, the thousands of Canadian peacekeepers who are selflessly working in farflung corners of the earth to offer security and provide comfort by their very presence. We cannot possibly comprehend the living conditions­ if you can call them that­ in Third World countries. How could we begin to understand unless we have seen first-hand the extreme poverty? Yes, Canada has its own homegrown problems but nothing compared to the millions trying to eke out an existence in countries plagued by drought and disease. Our country is so richly blessed with resources that we have no reason to complain. We need to embrace all that Canada has to offer and celebrate loudly this wondrous nation. We are an impressive role model for how so many people from so many different cultures can live and work productively together. Canada Day is more than backyard barbecues, social events and fireworks displays. It is a day to acknowledge all that is right with our nation and feel proud that this is your home-- our home.