Changing the lyrics to “O Canada,” the trial balloon floated by the Harper government in last Wednesday’s throne speech, went over like a lead balloon—forcing the Tories to backtrack within 48 hours.
The vast majority voiced outage against revamping the line “in all thy sons command” to something more gender neutral. But lost in the sudden surge of patriotism to defend the integrity of our national anthem is the painful irony that far too many Canadians don’t know all the words in the first place.
How sad is that?
Canadians, at times, can wrap themselves in the flag—as we showed during the Winter Olympics last month in Vancouver. Love of country, however, involves more than painting a Maple Leaf on your face or wearing a Team Canada jersey. It means knowing our history, understanding our institutions, and caring enough to cast a ballot in elections.
It means being willing to lay down your life to defend the principles of our nation, and ensure their preservation for our children and grandchildren.
It is why we sing:
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Surely our country deserves us all knowing these words.
