Today is Canada Day. At first, I
thought, well I won’t be going to a parade, a pancake breakfast, a BBQ or
fireworks to celebrate this Canada day. But then I started thinking, what does
it mean to celebrate being Canadian especially since I’m living in a different
country, one that has a much different history than ‘the true north strong and
free’. And what does it mean that I’m a Canadian in today’s world.
I would like to start with a
comparison of 2 very different celebrations. Now comparisons are not always fair
as there are so many cultural, historical and other issues that are so
different and need to be taken into account. Having said that the first
celebration is obviously Canada Day, the day that we as Canadians celebrate the
forming of our nation. There was no big war, in fact it was the signing of
paper to unite 3 colonies into one country within the British Empire. (I’ll
admit, I had to look up some of the details to refresh my memory :)) So
145 years ago, a paper was signed and the country of Canada came into
existence. To be honest, now it seems like Canada Day is a day to say yeah I’m
Canadian and I get a long weekend! It’s a bit more about the party, at least
that’s how it seems to me as I reflect today.
Now in contrast to this celebration,
there was a celebration here in Guatemala yesterday. The special day was the
day of the army, it’s a national holiday and quite a big deal. Now when I look
at this celebration I get a mixed feeling about it. From talking with people,
and seeing a bit on the news last night, there is a sense of national pride in
the army, or at least that’s what is portrayed. However I can’t help but think
that this is the same army which during the civil war here in Guatemala, of
which the peace treaty was only signed in 1996, committed great atrocities
against there own people. Killing entire villages just because of their
heritage. Some of the leaders have been convicted of war crimes. http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2012/03/6060-year-prison-norm-some-guatemalan-war-criminals/49812/
People’s lives were torn apart and some were even living a lie without knowing
it. Here’s a link to a podcast of a story of what happened at one of the
massacre sites with personal accounts of those involved and where they are now.
WARNING: this might be a bit graphic for some. http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/465/what-happened-at-dos-erres
Sometimes I have a hard time putting
into perspective such varying differences. Especially when it seems so unfair
that I had the privilege to be born into a country such as Canada. It seems so
random. But what I can do, is be aware that my way of living, is not the only
one in the world. There are so many other perspectives and stories. I can bring
my experience and learn from others to hopefully create a more fair world. One
where everyone has what they need because people see the value of a human life
and the value of sharing with those who might not have what they do.
To my Canadian friends, Happy Canada
Day! I hope that you take a moment to think what the celebration means for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
