For some Canadians, July 1 signifies nothing more than a statutory holiday and a long weekend off to enjoy some nice summer weather.
For millions of us, however, July 1 is one of the most important and memorable days of the year as we take time to celebrate Canada's birthday.
Unlike so many of our American neighbours, who often go beyond the boundaries of good taste to show just how patriotic they are, Canadians tend to be a little more reserved when it comes to displaying their national pride and patriotism.
For this one day each year, however, we encourage all Canadians — and everyone from the Bonnyville area — to stand up with pride and show just how much we love living in this wonderful country.
It should come as a surprise to no one that Canada is continually ranked among the greatest places to live anywhere in the world.
We all know the average Canadian is overtaxed, our government and community leaders sometimes make decisions that make you shake your head in disbelief, our medicare system that is the envy of the world is seemingly falling apart at the seams and in many parts of the country, our winters are long and brutal.
But none of this prevents the average Canadian from enjoying a quality of life that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
The average Canadian is friendly, cordial, respectful and we love to laugh and enjoy all that life has to offer.
No wonder Canadians are greeted with open arms and miles of smiles almost anywhere they travel around the world.
Canadians are modest, yet know how to have a good time and, as a country, we have no enemies, which is indeed rare with so much trouble in the world.
The world's second-largest country is a wonder to behold for its natural beauty from coast to coast. From the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta to the pristine lakes of Northern Ontario and magnificent rugged coastlines of the Maritimes and Newfoundland, Canada has been blessed by Mother Nature's magnificence.
Could things be better? Of course they could. But generally, the quality of life we enjoy as Canadians is exceptional.
Even if you're poor in this country and have trouble making ends meet, there is absolutely no reason not to be able to access food and shelter, even though a small percentage of society always manage to fall through the cracks.
For the disenfranchised, disillusioned and those who stumble across very difficult times due to physical or mental illness, thankfully we have a myriad of social programs and social agencies designed specifically to try and help them when they need help the most.
Being a Canadian doesn't mean living in a utopian society, but we are blessed to live in a country where most people care about their fellow neighbour.
There are criminals and people with ill intent in most societies and it's no different here in Canada. However, the vast majority of Canadians are law-abiding, hard-working people who do their best to live happy, productive lives.
During the recent NHL playoffs, it was so refreshing to see tens of thousands of Canadians singing O Canada at the top of their lungs in cities like Montreal and Vancouver.
This is a wonderful country we live in and none of us should ever forget it.
So grab a Canadian flag, wear a red and white T-shirt and proudly sing O Canada at the top of your lungs on Friday as this great nation celebrates its 144th birthday.
