Canada Day celebrations range from silly to sombre

Coast-to-coast festivities ring in 141st birthday

Canwest News Service                                            Published: Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Across the country, Canadians came out to celebrate the nation’s 141st birthday on Tuesday in their own distinct ways, from embracing silliness to remembering those who gave their lives.

Before ending in a burst of fireworks and jubilation, there were bittersweet moments.

At the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s, N.L., veterans, officials, Legion members, peace officers, nurses and military personnel gathered to honour soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Beaumont Hamel in the First World War.More than 230 soldiers were killed, 386 wounded and 91 went missing in action on July 1, 1916, when soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment started to cross 200 metres of no man’s land toward a German position near the French town.

At Halifax’s Pier 21, the historic entry point for immigrants was packed as family and friends celebrated the country’s newest citizens. Sixty-one people were sworn in Tuesday from 27 different countries.

Florencia Berakha said she felt "proud and grateful" of acquiring her citizenship, adding she was "very happy and willing to contribute to my community and this province in particular."

In Montreal, organizers said a crowd of at least 100,000 attended the annual loud-and-proud Canada Day parade. Enthusiastic, flag-bedecked spectators, many in family groups, lined up patiently for slices of the traditional birthday cake at the end of the event.

A total of about 60 groups participated, including several marching bands. "It was very smooth," said Leo Fauvel, one of the organizers.

In Vancouver, German-born Katja Magarin, 30, was sworn in as a new Canadian at Canada Place.

After she and the 79 others had taken the oath of citizenship with its three promises — faithfulness to the Queen of Canada, adherence to the laws of Canada and fulfilling the duties of a good citizen — they were invited to approach the platform that included B.C.

Lt.-Gov. Steven Point and Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, commander of the Joint Task Force Pacific region.

As the admiral shook Magarin’s hand, she leaned towards him and whispered: "I’m joining up tomorrow."

Magarin is applying for a commission in the Canadian Forces as an artillery officer. She already has military experience serving with the German military.

"But all they will allow women to be are medics," she said.

In Regina, partygoers flocked to the shores of Wascana Lake on the legislative grounds for free birthday cake and the fourth annual Plywood Cup competition.

Enterprising boatsmen armed with duct tape and plywood took up the challenge of building a water-worthy craft which they then attempted to paddle across the lake. Twenty teams took part — many of them sinking before they reached lan d.

And in Edmonton, thousands of revellers, including one wearing a Superman costume, crammed into the downtown for the city’s annual Silly Summer parade.

In Ottawa, tens of thousands of flag-waving people in red and white gathered on Parliament Hill, joining Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Mounties escorted a carriage carrying Jean, her husband and daughter, who waved to the cheering crowd. Jean then inspected a ceremonial guard as a 21-gun salute marked the occasion.

Shortly after CF-18s and Snowbird jets roared above the gathering, the prime minister spoke to the crowd on the Hill.

"On behalf of Canada, I wish you all a happy Canada Day," said Harper. "Today is the day we celebrate our home and native land."

The Governor General also spoke to the crowds. "Happy Birthday, Canada, I love you," said Jean.

© The Calgary Herald 2008

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE