COLUMN: Honouring our nation - the true north, strong and free

yorkregion.com
June 29, 2017
By Maurizio Bevilacqua

This is truly a special year - Canada is turning 150.

From coast to coast, Canadians will unite on July 1 to celebrate all that is wonderful about our great nation.

Here in Vaughan, we will be hosting one of the largest events in our history at Boyd Conservation Area. Entertainment starts at noon and continues until 10 p.m. featuring many attractions, including a headline performance by Coleman Hell.

We are blessed to live in the best country in the world. On Canada Day, let us embrace our culture and heritage.

The 150th anniversary of Confederation gives us a chance to come together and celebrate everything that is wonderful about our community and our country.

This is what being a Canadian is all about - showing our pride and patriotism, and expressing our love and respect for our native land.

Canada is built upon a rich past that uniquely defines us, and reaffirms our common identity as a country - strong, proud and free.

Our shared values of peace, hope and generosity are a reflection of the significance we place on democracy and liberty.

The Canadian spirit is the driving force behind the Canadian dream, which promises a tomorrow better than today and a future filled with opportunity.

Canada’s sesquicentennial is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to recognize the many people and experiences that have enriched our home.

Vaughan is a vibrant, multicultural community defined by the people who contribute and make a difference.

Now is the time for us to rejoice in our city’s diversity, inspire civic pride and tell the stories that make up our cultural fabric.

As we reflect on the incredible growth and transformation that is taking place across our city, we must continue to look to our future with a spirit of generosity, innovation and inclusivity.

As we mark Canada 150, I am inspired by the passion and energy that is evident everywhere in Vaughan and across the country.

I look forward to coming together with all Vaughan citizens at our Canada Day event, which will no doubt be the highlight of the anniversary year.

Happy Canada Day!