Celebrating Canada

Winnipeg Free Press

a day ago

Opinion
My HEART bursts with pride and a deep sense of gratitude whenever I hear or sing our national anthem. 'O Canada, our home and native land, true patriot love…'
I'm swept away by a spirit of intense patriotism. I am a Canadian by choice and not by birth, but my heart is Canadian through and through.
I was born in Russia of German parents. The designation of nationality in my passport said 'stateless' and feelings of rejection and worthlessness were real and deep. But all that changed when on Aug. 20, 1950, as a 17-year-old German refugee, I stepped on Canadian soil at the Quebec City harbour.
I received my Canadian citizenship five years later.
When we immigrated to Canada, things were different. For the first time in my life I felt accepted. Accepted for who I am as a person and not for where I was born.
Our great and free country of Canada, being such a collection of nationalities from around the globe, is uniquely equipped to make one feel part of the distinct mosaic of its society and feel at home here no matter where one's cradle stood.
That is why I appreciate Canada so much and on this Canada Day I want to again sing its praises. I thank God that my children and grandchildren have the privilege of growing up in freedom in this great country with equal opportunity for all.
On the 50th anniversary of my arrival in Canada, I hosted a family celebration dinner in my home with a Canada cake, Canadian flags and a prayer of thanks.
Regarding equality for all, at a reception for new Canadians at Government House several years ago, then-Lt.-Gov. Peter Liba shared an amazing example.
His father, Theodore Liba, who in 1926, as a 23-year-old Polish immigrant to Canada, had the unique opportunity of meeting King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during their visit at Government House in 1939, before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Winnipeg's prestigious Hotel Fort Garry was catering the meal for this special occasion. Liba's father, an employee of the Fort Garry Hotel at that time, had the unique opportunity of serving the Royal couple.
Sixty years later, his son Peter Liba was sworn in as the 22nd lieutenant-governor of Manitoba. In his own words: 'Where else, in one generation, could you go from serving as a waiter at Government House for a royal reception to now serving in the vice-regal role as the Queen's representative in Manitoba, using the front door, not the side entrance?' Where else, indeed!
During opening exercises at the weekly children's club at our church, we stand at attention in a circle, saluting the Canadian flag, our right hands on our heart, pledging allegiance to Canada.
As my eyes sweep over the large circle of boys and girls, I see that many different nationalities from all over the globe are represented. Such diverse cultural backgrounds, and yet we are one as Canadians working for our country together.
As we all join our voices singing our national anthem, I feel chills running down my spine, moved with patriotic love and gratitude. Seeing the bright and energetic multi-ethnic young Canadians, I realize anew how great and glorious Canada really is.
'God keep our land glorious and free, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.'
Maria Rogalski writes from Winnipeg.