NORTH AMERICA—It’s a momentous week for patriotism in the important part of North America. Both Canadians and Americans will use their national holidays as an excuse to eat BBQ, enjoy fireworks and drink far too much on July 1 and July 4.
To foster understanding and respect across borders, Mooseclean’s asked citizens in Canada and the US to reflect on the opposite country’s celebrations.
John Lewis, Ottawa: In the USA, they really seem to embrace BBQ on Independence Day. I’d like to try deep frying a turkey some time. Looks delicious!
Carol Jenner, San Diego, CA: Canadians celebrate the fourth of July, too? That’s awesome!
Adam Apsley, Boulder, CO: I’ll admit that I don’t know much about “Canada Day”, but I assume it involves a lot of beer?
Karen Short, Vancouver: I really admire how Americans celebrate the fourth of July with a four-day holiday. I think we should lobby the House of Commons to do the same in Canada.
Joanna Ball, Lubbock, Texas: Canada has a national holiday, too? On July first? They should just celebrate ours since it’s only three days later.
David Showton, Washington, D.C.: On July fourth, Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776. It was the birth of our nation and the liberation from the Kingdom of Britain. On July first, Canadians commemorate the Constitution Act, signed in 1867. It united three colonies as “Canada” within the British Empire. We celebrate independence. They recall a monarchy that still exists. So obviously our holiday rocks much harder. USA! USA!
Sharon Flax, Windsor: I love the fourth of July! There are always great sales in the US and we use the Canada Day holiday to cross-border shop.
Harold Culler, Madison, WI: I was once in Canada on July 1. But I didn’t really get much of a sense of their celebration since every Canadian who found out I was American just wanted to ask me about the fourth of July.
James Orton, Sarnia: Just remember Sir Isaac Brock and the War of 1812, bitches!
Photo: Randolph Croft, flickr