A few years ago, I asked my musically talented grandson to compose a song expressing the difficult times my mother faced with the news of my father’s death in Italy in 1944 during World War II. I never thought much beyond that until two years ago on Christmas Eve. My family had assembled and participated in our usual Christmas activities, including a sumptuous meal at the hands of their mom/grandma, our resident master chef. One of my children asked for order and attention and said, “Dad, this is our Christmas gift to you.” Out came the guitars, and then one son, one daughter and one grandson sang the most touching song I have ever been privileged to hear.
We Are Richly Blessed to Live in Canada
Our grandson lives in the United States, and it is interesting to reflect on his view of this vast and beautiful land of ours. He entitled the song, “Bless the Snow.” Some of the lyrics include: “A man in doubt, does he beckon and shout across the sea through the snow to his beloved? Does a lady weep, does she pray on her knees?” The chorus followed with rich harmony, “You can rest easy now, you’re both back home, O Canada, may you bless the snow, may you bless the snow.” The music continued with very poignant lyrics and achieved the desired effect as tears flowed freely in the Bunnage home that night.
Since that reflective evening, I have thought many times about why my grandson would center his song on the snow. I’m sure that many who are not from our nation think of snow when they think of Canada. They probably think of a cold and dreary land with little to offer, with us dressed in down-filled jackets heading off to a hockey rink. While that may be true at times, this land of ours is one of the Saviour’s hidden gems. I have had the privilege of traversing Canada from coast to coast and can testify that the creation brought untold beauty to this land we celebrate every Canada Day on July 1. From Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland to the Pacific Rim shores of Vancouver Island, from the crimson reds of the fall colours in the East to the evergreen forests in the West, Canada has so much to offer.
My Mother Teaches Me to Love the Gospel and Our Country
Growing up in rural Alberta in the 1940s, I was mentored by an amazing mother. Mom taught me that faith and resilience should be my guide. How else could she have survived those dark days following the end of the war? Firm in the knowledge that she and her sons could be reunited with our father as a family again, she taught us the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, many years later, I have tried to emulate her teachings to my posterity.
I learned to love this great land from my mother. Because of my father’s ultimate sacrifice in World War II, I learned to respect it as well. Ultimately, it led me to enter the education profession and do my part in teaching others this same love and respect for the country I feel so deeply for.
We Must Remember the Price that Freedom Requires
With Canada Day coming soon, we have a chance to reflect on the importance of being Canadian. Many have sacrificed on our behalf so we can enjoy the freedom provided to this nation. The Constitution Act of 1982, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, was officially adopted by the Parliament of Canada. President David O. McKay taught us, “Next to being one in worshipping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution.” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1939)
The Canadian Constitution is housed in the Peace Tower in Ottawa, Ontario, our nation’s capital. Whenever I see a photo of the tower, I am reminded of my father’s ultimate sacrifice. In the upper chamber of the tower, encased in glass, lies the Book of Remembrance commemorating those who gave their lives during World War II. Each day, the Sergeant of Arms turns the page, and each year on day 262, my father’s name is displayed on that page. No wonder I have such admiration for this country of ours!
I’m Proud to be a Canadian
The red and white maple leaf was unfurled as our official flag in 1965, replacing the Canadian Red Ensign. In many wards, the youth place flags on neighbourhood lawns to commemorate important days of the year. My heart swells with pride when I see the maple leaf fly throughout our community, especially on July 1.
I believe the Primary children express it best when they sing “My Country,” with particular emphasis on the last line:
1.“This is my country! I sing it with pride
Whether it’s desert sand duned and wide,
Mountains with pine trees, land iceberg bound.
It’s here where my home and my loved ones are found.
2. This is my country, and all that I do
Should make it mighty, noble, and true.
I love my country. Long may it be
A land where my people are honest and free.” (“My Country,” Children’s Songbook, 224, [emphasis added])
Our Primary children teach us an important truth: “This is my country.” Each of us claims ownership and must do all we can to preserve this great land we call Canada. We are blessed beyond measure!